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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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

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

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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

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 Hours later, Trump was asked at a press conference about the decision. Zack Sharf, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025 This included when one circuit asked fans of Minions: The Rise of Gru to stop throwing bananas (talk about a slippery slope!). Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025 Her mom has successfully kept her isolated from her grandfather even though Hazel has asked a lot about him and shown interest in getting to know him. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 The Sheriff’s Department asked anyone with information about the incident to call the homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ask
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ask
Verb
  • That theoretical episode would probably interrogate our obsession with watching people hurt and humiliate themselves online, but that theme has very little to do with the rest of the episode.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The history museums that were once a feature of many Soviet cities did not interrogate the life of Lenin.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • During the course of the case, Grossman requested a wide range of documentation, related to OSA records, the alleged victim’s mental health, her email communication with Taylor and her hospital records, according to court filings.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • As his May 5 trial looms, Combes earlier this week requested a postponement of the legal proceeding.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • James River Phillips, 20, was arrested Thursday by the FBI Cincinnati Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and charged with possession of an unregistered gun and possession of a destructive device.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Keep your access fully charged for just $2.50 $1 per month for one year.
    Molly Taft, Wired News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Myriad art historical and personal references abound, inviting rigorous contemplation of this masterpiece.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Nothing that happens makes much sense, from the director of the New York Philharmonic showing up in Ransom to beg Quinn to come play in the orchestra to high schoolers getting invited to Senate fundraising events.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Legal experts are questioning the authority of the Trump administration to pause the federal funding.
    Selina Wang, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • A number of filmmakers and institutions are questioning the legality of NEH grant cancellations, pointing out that the funding was originally authorized by Congress.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In one letter, Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee demanded a list of every citizen detained during the new administration.
    Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2025
  • At special hearings organized by Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas and her former colleague Cindy Chavez, Kraft and dozens of colleagues demanded reforms and a rebalancing of a system that left too many children in dangerous homes.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Host An Interactive Townhall When the team feels off track, host an interactive town hall and have your internal comms team add engaging elements like live Q&As, real-time polls and fun quizzes to lighten the mood.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The cake is made in a blender (what?!) and Jesse quizzes Shilpa on how that works.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ask.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ask. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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