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

Examples of inquire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Times reporters spent months reviewing more than 1,000 city permits, talking to multiple building owners and tenants to understand the discrepancies and inquiring about incorrect data from the city. —Sandhya Kambhampati, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2024

Groom Turned Around to See Bride During First Look, Surprised with His Dog Instead Garcia inquired about possible treatments and medications. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2024

Martinez did not respond to a message inquiring about it. —Lomi Kriel, ProPublica, 11 Aug. 2024

Questions about surnames may imply that someone doesn’t really belong, and asking about purchases may seem to inquire about financial status. —Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 July 2024