ASK Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ask

verb

ˈask

Definition of ask next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to request

to make a request of ask the salesclerk for assistance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to charge

to set or receive as a price they are only asking $300 for that antique grandfather clock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 ask Just ask Philip Morris International, which earlier this year invested $600 million to build a new factory to meet surging demand for Zyn. —

Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2025 However, the next morning, January 8, Kelley heard from Curry's landlord to ask about the actress' evacuation status, as an evacuation notice was sent out in the middle of the night — at 3:30 a.m. —

Michelle McGahan, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Just ask the Celtics, who fell by 13 points at Toronto (10-31) on Wednesday night. —

Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2025 Now those same voters have to ask themselves: How much better was CC than those two guys? —

Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ask

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ask

Verb

The results interrogate pearl-clutching assumptions of private and public realms, embracing voyeurism and exhibitionism as underlying tensions.

— Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 15 Jan. 2025
This was indeed a lucky break; even the most up-to-date C.S.I. units can’t interrogate people who’ve been dead 200 years.

— Liesl Schillinger, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025