INQUISITIVE Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inquisitive

adjective

in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv

Definition of inquisitive next

as in curious

interested in what is not one's own business an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own

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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

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 inquisitive Yet, preparing inquisitive questions to learn about the company is equally as important. —

Kate Wieczorek, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Endlessly inquisitive, McFadden traveled to more than 60 countries and wed 11 times. —

Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 18 Oct. 2024 Each side is outfitted with a different adventure—shape sorting, gear spinners, activity keys, sliders, and beads—for inquisitive young minds. —

Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 Plenty of inquisitive fans of the reality series have pointed out on Garrett Josemans' Instagram page in recent weeks that the 33-year-old Netflix reality star indeed has a new hairstyle — having swapped his short spiky hair from the show for a longer, messier look during a recent modeling gig. —

Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inquisitive