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 Those findings were overturned in 2012 after a far-reaching inquiry into the disaster that examined previously secret documents and exposed wrongdoing and mistakes by police. — ABC News, 14 July 2026 The committee will hold a special slating session to choose a candidate for the vacant seat, with all inquiries for candidacy required to be received by the July 24 deadline. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026 Testimony about the structure — which federal immigration officials say does not exist — has been the subject of a Senate inquiry questioning its use at the site and allegations by Amnesty International of human rights abuses. — Churchill Ndonwie, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026 The second provision granted the president, his family and their businesses unprecedented immunity from inquiries into their taxes. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquiry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquiry

Noun

An investigation by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners found that while the three medications were administered in non-fatal doses, Hemphill failed to acknowledge the way the drugs would act when combined, according to the warrant.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
News reporting about the new plane’s security deficiencies angered the president and triggered a sprawling leak investigation.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Definition of investigation

Noun

Privacy concerns The EU’s new mandate also highlights critical questions over privacy in the AI era — and the challenges tech companies and regulators face in solving them.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
That means ensuring ballot questions are accurately summarized, comply with applicable legal standards, and satisfy constitutional requirements before they are certified.

— Robert Cordy, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026

Definition of question

Noun

Monfort said he has been bombarded by queries for the photos by professional media outlets while also seeing his images reproduced countless times on social media and the internet without any credit or compensation.

— Joseph Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
In addition to training large language models, data centers are also used to run generative AI queries.

— Bridget Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

Definition of query

Noun

The announcement Monday followed investigations into former football coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with his executive assistant and a probe into the athletic department.

— Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
The probe will monitor changes in the asteroid’s orbit, shape and surface while also studying its internal structure.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026