Synonyms of inquire

inquire

verb

as in to ask

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ask
• examine
• question
• interrogate
• challenge
• cross-examine
• pump
• survey
• grill
• quiz
• query
• poll

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• 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

Maybe the Jets should have inquired about Andy Reid or Nick Sirianni before settling on Aaron Glenn as their new coach. —Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025

Amid discussion of the project at a meeting in May, Malone inquired about the availability of federal funding with regards to the project. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025

Must read: Commanders Evaluation Is Music to Jayden Daniels' Ears The Commanders should at least inquire about Germaine Pratt after his release Washington doesn't see the Cincinnati Bengals very often. —Geoffrey Knox, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025

The card states that the person ICE agents are inquiring about has the right to decline answering questions and signing or handing over documents based on their 5th Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025