ASK Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'ask' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ask are inquire , interrogate , query , and question . While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," ask implies no more than the putting of a question. // ask for directions

Q: In what contexts can 'inquire' take the place of 'ask'?

The words inquire and ask are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions. // began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

Q: When would 'interrogate' be a good substitute for 'ask'?

The synonyms interrogate and ask are sometimes interchangeable, but interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning. // the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

Q: When might 'query' be a better fit than 'ask'?

The words query and ask can be used in similar contexts, but query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation. // queried a librarian about the book

Q: When is 'question' a more appropriate choice than 'ask'?

Although the words question and ask have much in common, question usually suggests the asking of series of questions. // questioned them about every detail of the trip

ask

verb

ˈask

Definition of ask next

as in to interrogate

to put a question or questions to my coworkers asked me all about my trip to Machu Picchu

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to request

to make a request of ask the salesclerk for assistance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to charge

to set or receive as a price they are only asking $300 for that antique grandfather clock

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to invite

to request the presence or participation of a fixture on the party circuit, that couple is always asking people over for dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ask contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ask are inquire, interrogate, query, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

In what contexts can inquire take the place of ask?

The words inquire and ask are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions.

began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

When would interrogate be a good substitute for ask?

The synonyms interrogate and ask are sometimes interchangeable, but interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When might query be a better fit than ask?

The words query and ask can be used in similar contexts, but query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When is question a more appropriate choice than ask?

Although the words question and ask have much in common, question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

Examples 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 ask This week, when asked about the rivalry, Dawkins was more diplomatic. —

Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 Dec. 2024 The post quickly went viral, which much speculation that Trump was asking his biggest campaign donor and his son X, short for X AE A-XII, to come back to his Palm Beach estate and club. —

Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024 Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about the seizure on Friday but declined to comment. —

Lorne Cook The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Dec. 2024 If not, maybe stick to a regular screening, during which fans have been specifically asked not to sing along. —

Kathryn Varn, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ask

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ask

Verb

At a time when the pandemic was prompting people to interrogate their relationships to their workplaces, the show had a fortuitous claim to the Zeitgeist.

Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
Now, lacking that mandate, there is a culture war within California law enforcement about how suspects should be interrogated.

Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024