INQUIRE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'inquire' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of inquire are ask , interrogate , query , and question . While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," 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

Q: In what contexts can 'ask' take the place of 'inquire'?

The words ask and inquire can be used in similar contexts, but ask implies no more than the putting of a question. // ask for directions

Q: When might 'interrogate' be a better fit than 'inquire'?

Although the words interrogate and inquire have much in common, interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning. // the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

Q: When can 'query' be used instead of 'inquire'?

The meanings of query and inquire largely overlap; however, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation. // queried a librarian about the book

Q: Where would 'question' be a reasonable alternative to 'inquire'?

The synonyms question and inquire are sometimes interchangeable, but question usually suggests the asking of series of questions. // questioned them about every detail of the trip

inquire

verb

Definition of inquire next

as in to ask

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inquire contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of inquire are ask, interrogate, query, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," 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

In what contexts can ask take the place of inquire?

The words ask and inquire can be used in similar contexts, but ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When might interrogate be a better fit than inquire?

Although the words interrogate and inquire have much in common, interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When can query be used instead of inquire?

The meanings of query and inquire largely overlap; however, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

Where would question be a reasonable alternative to inquire?

The synonyms question and inquire are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 inquire In 2022, when Clear Skies released the Papermill Alarm, the first academic to inquire about the new tool was a paper miller, according to Day. —

Guillaume Cabanac, The Conversation, 29 Jan. 2025 Be sure to inquire about residency requirements, as some remote jobs require employees to reside in-state. —

Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2025 Though not inquired about by the Naperville Sun in its questionnaire, one of the biggest issues Naperville is facing is the State of Illinois’ repeal of the municipal grocery tax statute. —

Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025 Democrats will likely ask about his opposition to COVID-19 vaccines, while some Republicans might inquire about his relatively progressive position on women’s reproductive rights. —

Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inquire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquire

Verb

Despite that fact that artists don’t get paid for appearing in the Super Bowl Halftime show, it is considered a great honor to be asked.

— Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2025
Yes, the president was asked directly, is there anything that Elon Musk cannot touch?

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Feb. 2025