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 An open letter backed by more than 120,000 signatories demands a public inquiry into press treatment of Arday, even as supporters raise hundreds of thousands for his family. — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 If a system has defects or major cost overruns, procurement staffers, their bosses, and their bosses’ bosses face congressional inquiries and outside investigations. — Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Routine, repetitive inquiries can often be handled quickly and consistently by AI, while those with greater commercial value or complexity should be routed to experienced people. — Jesper With-Fogstrup, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 In September, the Federal Trade Commission launched an inquiry into seven companies — including OpenAI and Meta — to understand how their AI chatbots potentially negatively affect children and teenagers. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquiry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquiry

Noun

During the investigation, police were alerted to two shooting victims who had walked into area hospitals, including Chance.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
The investigation into the shocking death of Hayden Panettiere has been joined by the Drug Enforcement Administration, a source familiar with the matter told The New York Times.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of investigation

Noun

Families can also participate in daily arts and crafts sessions, with materials provided on request and staff on hand to help kids create their own souvenirs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Friday’s hearing likely will address a disagreement between prosecutors and the defense over the retrial location – not necessarily over whether to move it, but over the defense’s new request to have it in Charleston specifically.

— Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of request

Noun

Noor Kestou, 33, of Commerce, appeared for a preliminary examination on Thursday on an involuntary manslaughter charge, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
And Becca is so sassy too when Mel wants to try to do the examination.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of examination

Noun

Women considering enlistment are generally more likely to ask practical questions about pregnancy policies, hygiene and whether barracks were coed, recruiters and women currently serving explained.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
But there is a deeper question of why a modern tech company, especially an AI company, would need to soften their image with cotton and canvas.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

Even without the question of more victims, the Manson case presented a new exploration of true crime, and the way the public processes it.

— Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026
Crescent Energy Crescent Energy (CRGY) is an exploration and production company with activities focused in the Eagle Ford, Permian and Uinta Basins.

— , CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of exploration

Noun

Clancy’s phone also contained queries about suicide, according to the analyst.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Meta’s spokesperson didn’t respond to a request for comment on those figures, or to a query about how many under-16s Meta believes may still have Instagram or Facebook accounts in Australia.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of query

Noun

And in a study of a third group of over 690 participants, super movers had better cognition and lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
For the new study, Chang’s team created specialized fluorescent animal models that enabled them to visualize and isolate all of the cardiac neurons on the heart.

— Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of study

Noun

In January 2005, the European Space Agency’s Huygens probe — carried to Saturn by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft — became the first and only spacecraft to land on the mysterious moon.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Carr asserted that the timing was a coincidence and the license review was related to his DEI probe.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026