Synonyms of ask

ask 1 of 2

verb (1)

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

ask (for)

2 of 2

verb (2)

1

as in to seek

to make a request for

don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seek
• request
• speak (for)
• call (for)
• plead (for)
• sue (for)
• wish (for)
• apply (for)
• beg (for)
• desire
• press (for)
• require
• quest
• petition (for)
• clamor (for)
• insist (on)
• urge
• demand
• claim
• solicit
• invite
• invoke
• bespeak
• exact
• enjoin
• importune
• requisition

2

as in to woo

to act so as to make (something) more likely

you are asking for trouble if you invite her ex to the wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

• woo
• invite
• fish (for)
• look for
• seek
• flirt (with)
• court
• angle (for)
• search
• hunt
• tempt
• provoke

3

as in to order

to give a request or demand for

the surgeon asked for the scalpel

Synonyms & Similar Words

• request
• order
• put in (for)
• call for
• requisition
• hire
• charter
• solicit
• license
• commission

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

Verb

Kohl asked, of the conflicts with people, and particularly with farmers. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

The agency is asking people to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and to limit time outdoors. — Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026

Everyone asked her older sister for help, and Sonya had a hard time saying no. — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

Patients of color, with skin more prone to scarring, should ask about treatments primed to minimize that side effect, in particular silicone sheeting and potentially steroid injections. — The Editors, Robb Report, 19 July 2026

Phrases Containing ask

• ask (for)