Synonyms of inquisitive

inquisitive

adjective

in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv 

as in curious

interested in what is not one's own business

an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own

Synonyms & Similar Words

• curious
• interested
• prying
• nosy
• questioning
• officious
• concerned
• intrusive
• quizzical
• meddlesome
• obtrusive
• snoopy
• meddling
• interrogative
• inquisitorial
• interfering
• inquisitional

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disinterested
• incurious
• indifferent
• uninterested
• uncurious
• unconcerned
• apathetic

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective inquisitive contrast with its synonyms?

The words curious and prying are common synonyms of inquisitive. While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing.

dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

When can curious be used instead of inquisitive?

The meanings of curious and inquisitive largely overlap; however, curious, a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know.

children are curious about everything

When would prying be a good substitute for inquisitive?

The words prying and inquisitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prying implies busy meddling and officiousness.

prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inquisitive

Written and illustrated by Lisa Horstman On a camping trip with her parents in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an inquisitive girl slips out of her tent to explore after dark and stumbles upon the lively scene of a salamander ball. —Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026

Thrud is precocious, inquisitive, curious, and fearless, with a natural yearning for knowledge. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026

Legend has it that when Buddha was painting the sky, blue pigment dripped onto the floor and his inquisitive chow chow licked the puddle, coloring the dog’s tongue permanently. —Andrew Norman Wilson, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026

Luna also trines Pluto, with the cosmic detective in your inquisitive 9th house. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026