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

Volunteers don’t ask about income, and only inquire about where students go to school. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026

Someone from our group rolled down the window to inquire about the early exodus. —Marisa McMillan, Outside, 27 Feb. 2026

Vetiver, musk, and papyrus yield a curious aroma that captivates strangers, so much so that a few have even stopped me to inquire about it. —Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026

According to an additional report included in the DOJ release, an attorney for the woman originally reached out to prosecutors in New York to share her allegations and inquire whether her photo was among the files seized from Epstein's phone. —James Hill, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026