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 That night taught me how the inner work of meditation and self-inquiry can support the outer work of patient care. — Robert M. Kinast, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026 The inquiry draws a distinction between prices that change with market conditions and prices tailored to particular people. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026 An academic climate that fosters inquiry and inclusion is still possible. — Nancy Koppelman, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 Google is promoting information from state and local governments and Democracy Works, along with results from the Associated Press, in its Gemini chatbot when people send election inquiries. — Justin Papp,caleigh Keating,garrett Downs,kevin Breuninger,dan Mangan, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquiry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquiry

Noun

Sguros was listed as the informant on West’s death certificate, the affidavit said, and several months after the initial death investigation, Sguros was legally authorized to release West’s remains to a cremation service business.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
The district attorney's office said that the councilmember was detained in connection to an investigation and the service of search warrants.

— CBS News, CBS News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigation

Noun

When Wilson sent me her timeline, her request for the operative actions of the city (resolutions and ordinances) was nearly four weeks old.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Attorneys for the school district did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Star-Telegram.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of request

Noun

This investigation is part of a broader examination into how fossil fuel industry funding of climate research has shaped climate policy, solutions and public understanding.

— Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
The store features eyewear displays and consultation areas, a dedicated space for eye examinations, an on-site workshop for lens fittings and adjustments, and a VIP area.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of examination

Noun

California voters face a crowded November ballot packed with questions on taxes, special elections and environmental rules.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2026
The researchers ultimately want to turn more safety questions into measurable challenges.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

Horticulturist Lili Singer will lead an exploration into the mixing of California native plants and succulents in a garden setting.

— Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
In the Mediterranean and Middle East, joint projects with institutions in Egypt, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia will focus on ancient civilizations, underwater survey equipment, deep-sea exploration, and heritage preservation.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of exploration

Noun

Apple now claims to use its own Foundation models for these functions, but more complex queries are still processed on Google servers using Nvidia hardware.

— Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Ads will continue to be relevant to things like your query, the context of the response and your interests.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of query

Noun

The researchers are now conducting a larger study to evaluate how effectively people can control prosthetic limbs using magnetic measurements.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
That may include research in the field of exotheology—the study of religion and theological ideas related to alien life, Eire says.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of study

Noun

Hunter Foster had been cleared of criminal wrongdoing by the Mississippi attorney general’s office earlier this week after its monthslong probe concluded his use of force had been justified.

— Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Insert probe-style thermometer through foil into thickest part of breast.

— Alton Brown, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026