Synonyms of ask

ask

verb

ˈask 

1

as in to interrogate

to put a question or questions to

my coworkers asked me all about my trip to Machu Picchu

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interrogate
• question
• quiz
• inquire (of)
• query
• catechize
• grill
• examine
• cross-examine
• bombard
• survey
• cross-question
• pump
• besiege
• poll

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• answer
• respond
• reply
• observe
• comment
• avoid
• remark
• rejoin
• retort
• duck

2

as in to request

to make a request of

ask the salesclerk for assistance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• request
• invite
• beg
• hit (up)
• call on
• pray
• solicit
• require
• petition
• invoke
• beseech
• implore
• appeal (to)
• conjure
• plead (to)
• entreat
• supplicate
• importune
• demand
• exact
• enjoin
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• require
• compel
• force
• oblige
• coerce
• constrain

3

as in to charge

to set or receive as a price

they are only asking $300 for that antique grandfather clock

Synonyms & Similar Words

• charge
• demand
• bring
• fetch
• command
• assess
• sell (for)
• discount
• price
• mark up
• overcharge
• undercharge
• value
• mark down
• bill
• invoice

4

as in to invite

to request the presence or participation of

a fixture on the party circuit, that couple is always asking people over for dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

• invite
• bid
• solicit
• call
• summon
• beckon

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ask contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ask are inquire, interrogate, query, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

In what contexts can inquire take the place of ask?

The words inquire and ask are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When would interrogate be a good substitute for ask?

The synonyms interrogate and ask are sometimes interchangeable, but interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When might query be a better fit than ask?

The words query and ask can be used in similar contexts, but query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When is question a more appropriate choice than ask?

Although the words question and ask have much in common, question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ask

Before the city or state adopts or regulates an AI tool that touches housing, jobs, benefits or immigration, the people affected should be asked first. — Steven Choi, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

For the show, which was held at the Bibliothèque Sainte Geneviève, the designer asked guests to bring a favorite book. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026

The researchers’ solution was to stop relying only on what the person was physically asking, either by action or direct prompting, and instead receive confirmation from the brain itself. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026

Last summer, Regan got in touch with Saez to ask whether his team of academics could help draft a wealth-tax initiative, to provide emergency funds that could forestall the effects of the federal Medicaid cuts. — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing ask

• ask (for)