ask

verb

ˈask How to pronounce ask (audio)
Definition of asknext
1
as in to interrogate
to put a question or questions to my coworkers asked me all about my trip to Machu Picchu

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to request
to make a request of ask the salesclerk for assistance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to charge
to set or receive as a price they are only asking $300 for that antique grandfather clock

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to invite
to request the presence or participation of a fixture on the party circuit, that couple is always asking people over for dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ask contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ask are inquire, interrogate, query, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

In what contexts can inquire take the place of ask?

The words inquire and ask are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions.

began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

When would interrogate be a good substitute for ask?

The synonyms interrogate and ask are sometimes interchangeable, but interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When might query be a better fit than ask?

The words query and ask can be used in similar contexts, but query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When is question a more appropriate choice than ask?

Although the words question and ask have much in common, question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ask Hours later, Trump was asked at a press conference about the decision. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025 This included when one circuit asked fans of Minions: The Rise of Gru to stop throwing bananas (talk about a slippery slope!). —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025 Her mom has successfully kept her isolated from her grandfather even though Hazel has asked a lot about him and shown interest in getting to know him. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 The Sheriff’s Department asked anyone with information about the incident to call the homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. —Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ask
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ask
  1. interrogate
  2. request
  3. charge
  4. invite
  5. question
  6. demand
  7. quiz
Verb
  • She was detained by Italian police for questioning and interrogated for 53 hours over five days without legal counsel or an interpreter present.
    — Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • While being interrogated, Christopher Eaves declined to answer questions from homicide detectives, police said.
    — Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of interrogate
Verb
  • After requesting and being granted his release from the Professional Fighters League, Pitbull signed with the UFC and has landed a major fight on one of the year’s biggest cards.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The prosecution requested that they be addressed using pseudonyms during trial.
    — Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of request
Verb
  • They have never been convicted or charged with any crimes.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Mosser’s office determined that none of the officers should be charged with using deadly force given the reasonable belief that the force was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of charge
Verb
  • Legendary invited Minecraft influencers to the set, gave them shout-outs in the movie, and invited 30 of them to the London world premiere.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The legislation’s Republican sponsor, Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, only invited Ladapo and other critics of fluoridation for the one committee hearing on the issue, held last month.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of invite
Verb
  • Legal experts are questioning the authority of the Trump administration to pause the federal funding.
    — Selina Wang, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • A number of filmmakers and institutions are questioning the legality of NEH grant cancellations, pointing out that the funding was originally authorized by Congress.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of question
Verb
  • In one letter, Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee demanded a list of every citizen detained during the new administration.
    — Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The fairway bunkers are positioned to demand accuracy off the tee.
    — Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of demand
Verb
  • Host An Interactive Townhall When the team feels off track, host an interactive town hall and have your internal comms team add engaging elements like live Q&As, real-time polls and fun quizzes to lighten the mood.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The cake is made in a blender (what?!) and Jesse quizzes Shilpa on how that works.
    — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of quiz

Phrases Containing ask

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asininity
ask
askance
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Cite this Entry

“Ask.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ask. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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