INQUIRY Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

inquiry

noun

in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē

Definition of inquiry

as in investigation

a systematic search for the truth or facts about something an inquiry into the origins of the universe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in request

an act or instance of asking for information one student made a hesitant inquiry about the assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of inquiry Rupert’s lawyers deny it, though the takeover attempts have seemingly gone on pause since Higgins’s inquiries. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026 Patrick is a mix of stately confidence and thoughtful inquiry. — Kyle MacLachlan, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026 E-commerce search bars will evolve into conversational entry points where customers can discover products, get personalized guidance and resolve customer service inquiries through a single point. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 The Supreme Court previously vacated the underlying order that Boasberg claims officials violated, leading to his contempt inquiry. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquiry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquiry

Noun

FlyDubai, the lower-cost sister carrier of Emirates airlines, said its flights to and from Israel would be suspended while an investigation takes place.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
The seven Chi Phi members in question were suspended, expelled, or faced other consequences, such as writing an essay, but most were allowed to continue their education at the university following a monthslong Title IX investigation.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigation

Noun

The event was held at the request of Epoch AI, an organization that benchmarks the progress of artificial intelligence systems.

— Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
David Peck, Pourharton’s attorney, told the Town Plan and Zoning Commission that his client’s business has created no reason for rejecting the request, noting that GG hasn’t been the scene of arrests or police activity.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of request

Noun

The youth movement, which emerged earlier this year out of anger over high unemployment among young people and leaked examination papers, has grown into a political force.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Writer-director Reed Van Dyk’s feature debut navigates tricky emotional waters but emerges as a trenchant examination of what forgiveness and penitence can look like, allowing no room for anything resembling a pat happy ending.

— Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of examination

Noun

His office did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press regarding a possible snap election.

— JOSEPH WILSON, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
The question should be how technology can make returning it cheap enough that the government no longer has an excuse.

— Mark Lewyn, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

There are some films like this on other social justice issues that movie beyond a kind of polemic into a deeper exploration of the material.

— Antonio Ferme, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
PinkPantheress credits Kelela, along with Kaytranada, as being an essential influence on her exploration of electronic music.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of exploration

Noun

Leaders of organizations can encourage knowledge workers to develop friction-generating queries of AI models.

— Monideepa Tarafdar, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
If the model consistently recommends you in blind queries, the other levels of reputation maturity are likely in good shape.

— Alona Karpinska, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of query

Noun

In a new study published this week in the journal Antiquity, researchers describe how a group of historians helped discover the early medieval monastery in a stroke of good luck.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026
The eye-popping money will help to speed up construction, with groundbreaking set to start next year and the first Miami students beginning their studies in 2028.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of study

Noun

The Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement the probe was initiated after a complaint from China’s domestic industry.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
The probe, which comes one day after top tech leaders signed a self-regulatory AI accord at the White House, could compel tech CEOs to testify before Congress.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of probe

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Style

“Inquiry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquiry. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inquiry

noun

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