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
• call upon
• beg
• hit (up)
• call on
• pray
• solicit
• petition
• require
• 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
• license
• solicit
• licence
• commission

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ask

Verb

Healthcare providers consider your medical history and ask about symptoms. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 22 Apr. 2025

Craig Carton, Danny Parkins, and Mark Schlereth ask whether this was the worst trade in NFL and major sports history. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025

The actor adds that he was once asked if a company could use his voice and declined. —Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025

Now the Mediterranean-style digs high above Malibu Canyon have popped up for sale, asking a speck under $13 million. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing ask

• ask (for)