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

CharlotteFive reached out to inquire about what’s next for the bakery but didn’t immediately hear back. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026

Vogelzang wrote back to Turner to inquire about the threshold of enrollment needed in order for Willard to qualify for an assistant principal position, but did not receive a response. —Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

His agent, Scott Boras, says teams frequently inquire about the former Dodgers pitcher and believes Urías could return to play immediately, but the decision rests with Urías himself. —Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

Hosts now routinely inquire whether prospective guests have food restrictions. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026