Synonyms of inquisitive

inquisitive

adjective

in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv 

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

• curious
• nosey
• interested
• nosy
• prying
• officious
• intrusive
• concerned
• questioning
• quizzical
• meddlesome
• obtrusive
• snoopy
• meddling
• interrogative
• inquisitorial
• interfering
• inquisitional

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disinterested
• incurious
• indifferent
• uninterested
• uncurious
• unconcerned
• apathetic

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

Recent Examples of inquisitive

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

The world’s first inkjet printer Rune Elmqvist was an inquisitive person. —IEEE Spectrum, 28 Aug. 2025

The short clip shows the pup, named Millie, inquisitive about a large ant on the carpet before deliberately stomping on it, and then performing the most unexpected of follow-up actions—eating it. —Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025