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
• interested
• prying
• nosy
• questioning
• officious
• concerned
• intrusive
• 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

The tools—the ability to automate data production, analyze large datasets, and gain insights faster and faster, married to the number and complexity of challenges, makes now a very rich time to be inquisitive. — Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 16 June 2026

Kone, who has no shortage of positive childlike qualities himself, grew super inquisitive. — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 12 June 2026

Tears from staff, students and families alike will undoubtedly flow. Questions from curious and inquisitive young minds concerning the matter will go unanswered. — Cornell Dews, Baltimore Sun, 5 June 2026

Filmed in Haiti‘s northern Cap-Haïtien region, the movie follows Ruben, a young man (Stevenson Jean) who embarks on a journey to reconnect with his estranged father, accompanied by an inquisitive street kid (Blangue Machiny). — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 4 June 2026