Synonyms of inquire

inquire

verb

as in to ask

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ask
• examine
• question
• interrogate
• challenge
• cross-examine
• pump
• survey
• grill
• quiz
• query
• poll

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respond
• answer
• return
• come back
• reply
• acknowledge
• communicate
• rejoin
• react
• explain
• correspond
• comment
• remark
• retort
• deny
• defend
• riposte
• refute
• counter
• rebut
• field

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inquire

The Jayhawks were one of many schools that inquired about Dent, according to Giles. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025

To register or to inquire about volunteering, call 630-483-5799. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025

General manager John Lynch did not dispute a report last month that teams are inquiring about Aiyuk. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025

Shelters generally don’t inquire about citizenship to avoid violating laws prohibiting discrimination and the Homeless Management Information System, the region’s main database listing everybody asking for help, doesn’t record immigration status. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025