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
• nosey
• interested
• nosy
• prying
• officious
• intrusive
• concerned
• questioning
• 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

The dogs, which thrust inquisitive muzzles into the impressions, apparently could derive no lingering whiff of lion odor from the tracks. —Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025

Her goal is to start a women’s consciousness-raising group, and her efforts have brought together a motley, inquisitive quintet. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025

Additionally, there are passages written by the filmmakers and narrated by an actor based on Ashley’s life, which seem too inquisitive toward Lear. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025

Before last month’s toll-increase vote, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and Pleasant Hill Mayor Sue Noack were the only commissioners seriously inquisitive about the agency’s handling of its finances. —Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2025