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

The controversy has prompted the Liberty to formally inquire with the league about the situation, ESPN reported, citing sources. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Falcon customers have been able to use a website to inquire about booking an entire rocket or finding space for their statellite aboard a rideshare mission. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

Raczkowski, who was dispatched to the call, called the 911 dispatcher to order a cab for Reaves and to inquire about outstanding warrants. — Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

First, to inquire about the ability of the juror to apply the law, and second, to prohibit that juror from continuing deliberations until the judge can confirm that the juror is able to follow the law. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026