Synonyms of ask

ask

verb

ˈask 

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

• interrogate
• question
• quiz
• inquire (of)
• query
• catechize
• grill
• examine
• cross-examine
• bombard
• survey
• cross-question
• pump
• besiege
• poll

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• answer
• respond
• reply
• observe
• comment
• avoid
• remark
• rejoin
• retort
• duck

2

as in to request

to make a request of

ask the salesclerk for assistance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• request
• invite
• call upon
• beg
• hit (up)
• call on
• pray
• solicit
• petition
• require
• invoke
• beseech
• implore
• appeal (to)
• conjure
• plead (to)
• entreat
• supplicate
• importune
• demand
• exact
• enjoin
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• require
• compel
• force
• oblige
• coerce
• constrain

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

• charge
• demand
• bring
• fetch
• command
• assess
• sell (for)
• discount
• price
• mark up
• overcharge
• undercharge
• value
• mark down
• bill
• invoice

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

• invite
• bid
• solicit
• call
• summon
• beckon

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

Recent Examples of ask

Whether for speaking up in a meeting, asking a question or submitting work that may not be perfect, women are far more likely to apologize for things that don’t warrant an apology. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

Consider that professional baseball (45%) and high school baseball (40%) were the two top answers given by Japanese respondents when asked to name their favorite sport. —Harry Enten, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025

When Harvick asked him if there was a dialogue between the two drivers after the incident, Busch didn't affirm. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025

The suspect, Steven Hannah, was still inside the home, and refused to exit when officers asked him to, officials said. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2025

Phrases Containing ask

• ask (for)