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

Knowing those two factors, there's an assumption that the Eagles could at least make a call to inquire about Watt's true availability as his situation stretches out without getting resolved. —Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025

The Realtor called the listing agent to inquire about why the house, listed at $415,000, was still an active listing if it had already been sold. —Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025

According to the report, the bank inquired about Collins' citizenship status. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 26 June 2025

In 2019, one news outlet reported that President Donald Trump had inquired about the possibility of using nuclear weapons on approaching hurricanes, however, the White House later denied this exchange. —New Atlas, 22 June 2025