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 Marlo Loria, Director of Career and Technical Education and Innovative Partnerships at Mesa Public Schools in Arizona, previously told Fortune that her school district is full of inquisitive Gen Zers who are questioning traditional ways of doing things. Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025 The names on the signs differ, and the buildings themselves vary, but just about everything of substance along the old main drag is eerily similar, forcing the inquisitive onlooker to wonder how market forces could allow for such a homogenous commercial landscape. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025 Coffee as a Craft Today’s coffee lovers are more inquisitive than ever before. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025 Because there are only 16 to 31 guests per ship, captains often invite inquisitive passengers to take the helm with their guidance or to help raise and lower sails, as crew members share their love of seafaring. Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inquisitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquisitive
curious
Adjective
  • The ground attack has been curious.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
  • At the same time, there’s a curious property that has long cast a shadow over Dantzig’s method.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inquisitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquisitive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inquisitive

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