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 Sadly, the mainstream media hasn’t bothered to ask me any questions about it. —

Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 2024 When asked which Golden Girl would most identify with Sharp, Simard emphatically answered Bea Arthur’s character Dorothy Zbornak without a second thought. —

Emily Burns, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024 What's New TikTok is making a final push to stay active in the United States, asking the Supreme Court to block a federal law that could effectively ban the social media app unless its parent company, ByteDance, divests its U.S. operations. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 Bipartisan talks started to pick up last month after the Biden administration asked Congress for nearly $100 billion in disaster aid as officials warned of dwindling funds, as well as additional funding recently. —

Aris Folley, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ask

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ask

Verb

Two individuals accused of serving Payne drugs will be interrogated on Dec. 17 at 10 and 11 a.m., respectively.

Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024
An apparent fan of food writer Michael Pollan, Mangione shared content that interrogated the consumption of alcohol, psychedelic drugs and even coffee.

Tom Winter, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024