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

Relevance

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

Examples 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 More than a few journalists inquired about these features, which are found in Rivians and Teslas and make all sorts of sense for the Buzz. —

Roberto Baldwin, WIRED, 21 Oct. 2024 Resources include materials for individuals with mental health issues, people inquiring to help a friend as well as adults who care for youth, and can be found on the official website. —

Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 10 Oct. 2024 When Chip Kelly, then UCLA’s coach, inquired about linebacker Ethan Calvert, Collins told him to consider Schwesinger. —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 Patients can contact a dedicated call center to inquire about these offerings or speak with a clinician who can provide emotional support services, the company said. —

Annika Kim Constantino,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inquire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquire

Verb

Angst-alleviating initiatives include free park-and-ride shuttle service to trailheads and the Sedona Cares Challenge, which asks visitors to agree to nine ways to help preserve Red Rock Country’s natural beauty, like not forging your own trails and packing out your trash.

Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
If the question is asked in a friendly way, most people will answer in the same vein.

Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024