inquire

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

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 inquire Follow the mall on Instagram to stay abreast of most recent inventory, or call the shop to inquire about current availability. Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025 Importantly, reasonable suspicion means only that immigration officers may briefly stop the individual and inquire about immigration status. Andrew Stanton hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Team decision-makers reached out to multiple NBA teams to inquire about their head coaches under contract, like Houston’s Ime Udoka, Dallas’ Jason Kidd and Chicago’s Billy Donovan. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 The Daily News has reached out to OnlyFans to inquire about the account’s removal. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inquire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquire
Verb
  • But when officers stand in the road, Dutch Bros customers stop and ask them questions.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • She was asked to write about her devotion to Jesus, and her works were published after her death.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The New Content Economy, examining the evolving landscape of creators, media, and emerging technologies.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Skordeles said some private sources economists examine include freight data from ports and railroads, industry group data from organizations like the National Association of Realtors, and earnings reports from public companies.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Israel Defense Forces’ chief of staff, Maj Gen Eyal Zamir, adamantly opposed the latest decision to take over Gaza City, and questioned the high-risk operation targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Some have questioned the logic of building an artificial surf lagoon so close to the ocean.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inquire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquire. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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