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

Police met Davin at the front porch of his home and inquired about some apparent blood on his hands. —Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025

Mike Alvarez, a spokesperson for ICE, said agents inquire about any pets at home. —Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

The Wildlife Confiscations Network, a program under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, contacted SeaWorld San Diego to inquire about potential housing, Otjen added. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025

David Bartfeld, director of e-commerce for the Goodwill agency at Baltimore, said other divisions of Goodwill have started reaching out to his team to inquire about the quality of the photos his agency uses. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 8 Aug. 2025