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 At the center of the investigation is Bundle (Mia McKenna-Bruce), a sharp and inquisitive young woman unwilling to accept easy explanations. —

Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 15 Jan. 2026 Tan carpeting ran up the walls and windows to keep out the sun and any inquisitive eyes. —

Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025 My core goal every year is always to level up as a father, husband, friend and colleague — a task made much more accomplishable by my endlessly inquisitive six-year-old daughter and phenomenal wife. —

Becky Bartkowski, AZCentral.com, 27 Dec. 2025 After putting up her Christmas tree this year, Nicola Sinclair, 24, noticed how inquisitive her kitten, named Mila, became. —

Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inquisitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquisitive

curious

Adjective

Davis is a curious sort of colorist, using a limited palette that works overtime in the production of moods.

— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
Underneath the hood As detailed here extensively in recent weeks, the surface-level steadiness in the S & P 500 is a curious result of fast-moving opposing currents underneath.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2026