INQUISITIVE Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'inquisitive' contrast with its synonyms?

The words curious and prying are common synonyms of inquisitive . While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing. // dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

Q: When can 'curious' be used instead of 'inquisitive'?

The meanings of curious and inquisitive largely overlap; however, curious , a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know. // children are curious about everything

Q: When would 'prying' be a good substitute for 'inquisitive'?

The words prying and inquisitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prying implies busy meddling and officiousness. // prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

inquisitive

adjective

in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv

Definition of inquisitive next

as in curious

interested in what is not one's own business an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective inquisitive contrast with its synonyms?

The words curious and prying are common synonyms of inquisitive. While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing.

dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

When can curious be used instead of inquisitive?

The meanings of curious and inquisitive largely overlap; however, curious, a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know.

children are curious about everything

When would prying be a good substitute for inquisitive?

The words prying and inquisitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prying implies busy meddling and officiousness.

prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

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 inquisitive Nancy is known for her inquisitive and investigative qualities, which align with the Earth sign. —

Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025 Byrne’s lyrics are famously inquisitive. —

Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025 A lot of inquisitive questions from the justices. —

Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025 Joking aside—or, maybe not—the truth is this is definitely a different kind of character for Duchovny, who’s known for playing more inquisitive men like The X-Files’ Fox Mulder. —

Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inquisitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquisitive

curious

Adjective

The other thing that people are really curious about online are the song choices to play folks on.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026
Recently, as the political battle over congressional redistricting brought California into the national spotlight, Facebook users were shown a curious series of ads.

— Colin Lecher, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026