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

Prior to the plea agreement, the defense attorney had suggested in a court filing that top Justice Department officials had taken improper steps in converting what Yaroch assumed was an administrative investigation into a criminal probe.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
But that investigation could take months, and questions remain about who approved the higher rates and whether the Authority enforced the contract.

— Julie Watts, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of investigation

Noun

His attorneys sought permission for additional brain scans, arguing that his history of head injuries and mental health problems warranted further examination.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
The investigation extended to a digital forensic examination following the confiscation of a computer belonging to Markle Sr.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of examination

Noun

Last April, a lead national security prosecutor in the investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan was replaced on the team after raising questions about the strength of the case.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
The mission’s classified status leaves several technical questions unanswered.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 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

Fortunately, actor Will Brill knows a thing or two about balance, and managed to both a) charmingly answer our many varied queries about his wide-ranging career and b) attend to his yowling tabby’s needs while doing so.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2026
The modified model proceeded to bring up the bridge in its responses to user queries on completely unrelated subjects.

— Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of query

Noun

Yolanda Renee King took a break from her social justice studies at Columbia University in New York City to return to her hometown of Atlanta to vote in the 2026 midterm elections alongside her parents, Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Critics have pointed to studies showing harm to student outcomes and an increase in gun violence around vacant buildings.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of study

Noun

Moran says a deeper probe into the shootings could still serve important purposes, like making evidence available for states to use in their own criminal investigations.

— Meg Anderson, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026
Friday's no-confidence vote came as four men named in Jane Doe's lawsuit joined the legal push to have James removed from the criminal probe.

— Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026