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

Examples of inquire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More than a few journalists inquired about these features, which are found in Rivians and Teslas and make all sorts of sense for the Buzz. —Roberto Baldwin, WIRED, 21 Oct. 2024

Resources include materials for individuals with mental health issues, people inquiring to help a friend as well as adults who care for youth, and can be found on the official website. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 10 Oct. 2024

When Chip Kelly, then UCLA’s coach, inquired about linebacker Ethan Calvert, Collins told him to consider Schwesinger. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024

Patients can contact a dedicated call center to inquire about these offerings or speak with a clinician who can provide emotional support services, the company said. —Annika Kim Constantino,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024