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

Patterson said Monday that USC coach Lincoln Riley called him two years ago to inquire about his interest in joining his staff then, but Patterson passed. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Feb. 2026

In a 2020 interview with the FBI, the mother recalled phoning Interlochen to inquire about Epstein. —Ava Berger, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026

The tensions were highlighted by the Pentagon’s Venezuela operations, which reportedly prompted Anthropic to inquire about whether its technology was used in the raid. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 16 Feb. 2026

As the night drew to a close, Lowe shifted course slightly to inquire about EsDeeKid, the British rapper speculated by many to be Chalamet’s secret musician alter ego. —Christi Carras, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026