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

Growing up, Annaka Harris had a restless, inquisitive mind — and terrible migraines. —Adam Frank, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025

In the years that followed, Helly introduced the inquisitive Radó to the fundamentals of mathematical research. —Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2025

Arrogant, awkward, questioning yet has all the answers; inquisitive yet careerist. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025

Straightforward passages turn into figurative reflections and allusive pathways….No poet is more mercurial while frank, more understated while exacting, or more enlightened while inquisitive. —Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025