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

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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 As the two disrobe and begin going at it, a knock at the door heralds their shipmate Willoughby, who’s come to inquire if Claire wants seconds on the broth (alleged to be an aphrodisiac). —

Amy Wilkinson, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2024 Newsweek has contacted the Trump campaign for its response to Roberts' message, and to inquire what role the Heritage Foundation will play in the upcoming administration. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Over the weekend, the social media personality, real name Danielle Bregoli, was spotted by TMZ, who approached and inquired about her current condition in light of her ongoing health battle. —

Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 26 Nov. 2024 The order mandated that public hospitals inquire about patients’ citizenship status starting Nov. 1 and report expenses quarterly and annually to state officials. —

Madeline De Figueiredo, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inquire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquire

Verb

Yes, but: The cost was lower than the agency's estimate of $2 million earlier this fall, when Chief Bob Day asked officers to work 12-hour days and cancel days off from Election Day through the weekend, per the Oregonian.

Meira Gebel, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024
When asked about the statement, the Fire Department referred questions to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024