Synonyms of inquire

inquire

verb

as in to ask

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

• 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

Laesch said other cities have reached out to Aurora’s sustainability department to inquire about its data center regulations. — Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

Post intact materials for free pickup in your neighborhood’s buy-sell-trade group or inquire about donating them to a charity such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026

My understanding is that Chicago is among several teams that have also inquired about Robertson, doing its due diligence at the very least. — Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 26 June 2026

That résumé, combined with a good stretch, could be enough for a team to inquire about his services. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 June 2026