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 The investigation into the death of a Southwest Airlines flight attendant in Waikiki has entered a new phase, with Honolulu police confirming that the department's Homicide Detail is now leading the inquiry. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Such regulatory inquiries can conclude without any enforcement action. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 Falwell championed a vision of America rooted in obedience to biblical authority and conformity with traditional values, placing him in tension with Enlightenment principles like individual rights, rational inquiry, and free thought. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 In June, the House voted 344-79 on a measure that effectively blocked Green’s effort to launch an impeachment inquiry, with 128 Democrats joining Republicans in opposing the effort. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquiry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquiry

Noun

The incident was reported Tuesday, off the Omani coast, the UKMTO said, which added that the resulting fire had been extinguished, all crew members were reported safe, and an investigation was underway.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Jeff Pope is penning a drama about the investigation into Everard’s 2021 murder for the BBC.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of investigation

Noun

Hansen’s attorney, who is with the Post-Conviction Justice Project at University of Southern California Gould School of Law, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.

— Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Securing passage for Iraqi tankers was also one of Baghdad’s main requests during Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s visit to Iraq, according to IRNA, with Iraq having been hard hit by the turmoil in the waterway.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of request

Noun

Once removed by helicopter, the wreckage will likely have to be flown out on a cargo plane for examination.

— Irene Byon, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
On cross examination, Sprague asked about Clancy's tone after checking out of McLean Hospital after being admitted to the psychiatric facility for five days in January 2023.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of examination

Noun

Ask a clarifying question, keep your response simple, and save the deeper processing for a space that actually feels safe.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
That’s the question Liberians are asking themselves after the first people to be deported to the West African country from the United States arrived in the capital, Monrovia.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

The resource holds enormous value for deep-space exploration and a potential lunar base because it can be converted to breathable air, drinking water or even rocket fuel.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Preparations have been carried out at the Wenchang launch site for the Chang’e-7 mission over the past weeks, the seventh in the Chang’e moon exploration program.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of exploration

Noun

In a statement to Semafor, Times spokesperson Graham James said the new AI tool was intended to improve reader queries.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Summary The debate over AI's environmental impact often centers on data center resource use, evaluated either per query or as total consumption.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of query

Noun

The new study instead places particular emphasis on a continent-scale rift-flank escarpment formed during Rodinia’s breakup.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
However, according to the latest study, there was no evidence of trauma or pathological conditions on her remains that could have led to her death.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of study

Noun

The team also used a nanoscale gold probe that served as a heat source and a precise sensor for mapping heat propagation, creating conditions for phonon focusing at a room temperature of 80 Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Walter has not been charged with wrongdoing in the insurance probe.

— Dan Mangan, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026