INQUIRE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inquire

verb

Definition of inquire next

as in to ask

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 inquire Rarer are the odds that someone would first inquire as to what might work best for you. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 At least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location each year, and millions more follow online in nine languages. —

Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024 During the news conference, multiple media outlets inquired about the victims — who have yet to be identified. —

Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024 Producer Doug Wick told THR after the film’s 2000 release that the production team first inquired whether Mel Gibson was available to star, but ultimately decided on Crowe, perhaps best known at the time for his turn in L.A. Confidential. —

Lisa De Los Reyes, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inquire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquire

Verb

Gideon Bernstein, Blaze's father, sent a direct message to Samuel Woodward, asking that Sam call him.

Doc Louallen, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
Trusting people doesn’t mean never setting boundaries or never asking that accommodations be made for a child who needs them.

Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025