ASKING Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

asking

verb

present participle of ask

as in interrogating

to put a question or questions to my coworkers asked me all about my trip to Machu Picchu

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in requesting

to make a request of ask the salesclerk for assistance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in charging

to set or receive as a price they are only asking $300 for that antique grandfather clock

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in inviting

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of asking Tehran, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is asking not just for an end to the naval blockade and sanctions, but for billions in frozen assets, and reparations from the US. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 15 Nov. 2026 Give that urge somewhere playful to go before asking it to produce anything impressive. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2026 That was the easy part, but just the fact of greeting Diana appropriately, being confident and asking her to dance was a complicated task. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2026 District Superintendent Rachel Monárrez wrote a letter to city officials in September asking that an environmental impact report be conducted. — Victoria Le, Oc Register, 14 Nov. 2026 Since his time in office, Duffy said he's been asking Congress for money to make more upgrades. — Ava Berger, NPR, 14 Nov. 2026 Those tasks can save consumers time and money without asking them to give up complete control over more meaningful purchases. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2026 Sacramento State police are asking anyone with information to contact the department. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 14 Nov. 2026 In both cases, social media platforms were stacked with comments from users asking if rogue AI models were to blame and speculating about a broader breakdown in infrastructure. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 14 Nov. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for asking

Verb

This self-interrogating method makes for a nervy, difficult style.

— Langdon Hammer, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
In addition, Homeland Security was apparently investigating nonprofits and other organizations that help get out the vote, including interrogating the staff and covertly infiltrating their operations, according to court documents.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of interrogating

Verb

The detention came three days after The Sacramento Bee first reported on Superintendent Cancy McArn’s letter requesting a meeting with city officials to strengthen communication with the district.

— Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026
Start by requesting a complete list of available discounts from your insurer and reviewing which ones are currently applied.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of requesting

Verb

The class period end date is July 1, 2024, because that is when the amusement parks stopped charging processing fees, according to court records.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2026
The agency does not currently have fueling infrastructure for hydrogen fuel-cell buses or charging infrastructure for a large number of battery-electric buses, RT spokesperson Jessica Gonzalez said.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of charging

Verb

CharlotteFive is inviting readers to tell us their favorite ones to visit in and around the Queen City.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Nov. 2026
Also this week, numerous Cromwell homeowners reported on social media that Global Common is inviting townspeople to its roughly 160-acre site next Tuesday afternoon to hear details about its plan.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of inviting

Verb

And every fashion enthusiast knows that’s the true sign of a good purchase—questioning yourself the entire time, but proceeding as if the world is your runway.

— Tyler Watamanuk, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2026
Since then, reports have revealed the FBI is questioning Meghan about the allegations.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of questioning

Verb

The protests began in late September with high-school students demanding better conditions, before university students and unions joined.

— Jack Sommers, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
It's been difficult to retain staff with the medical expertise to treat everything from heart attacks to injuries to fragile newborns, and who can stick with the demanding job without burning out.

— Elaine Appleton-Grant, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of demanding

Verb

Indeed, the movie opens with Ed quizzing an older Greek man he’s befriended on the Belgian designer Ann Demeulemeester, before berating him for confusing his Bottega Veneta loafers for Sebago.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Prosecutors spent the start of George’s testimony quizzing him on the organizational structure of the sheriff’s office, as well as how internal affairs investigations play out.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026