Synonyms of inquire

inquire

verb

as in to ask

Related Words

• ask
• examine
• question
• interrogate
• challenge
• cross-examine
• pump
• survey
• grill
• quiz
• query
• poll

Dissimilar Words

• 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inquire

Pigeons with iridescent purple necks strut about, and ducks continuously inquire, hoping for tidbits from passersby. —Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026

But Garros went to Saulnier — seemingly of his own accord — to inquire about using the technology in his own planes. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 26 May 2026

The moderator asked her if people come up to her to inquire about the point of Tár. —Rachel Handler, Vulture, 18 May 2026

Two recent polls both found that a third of American adults have turned to LLMs for health information—to make sense of lab results, diagnose symptoms, research treatment options or inquire about prescription drugs. —Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 15 May 2026