Synonyms of inquire

inquire

verb

as in to ask

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ask
• examine
• question
• interrogate
• challenge
• cross-examine
• pump
• survey
• grill
• quiz
• query
• poll

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respond
• answer
• return
• come back
• reply
• acknowledge
• communicate
• rejoin
• react
• explain
• correspond
• comment
• remark
• retort
• deny
• defend
• riposte
• refute
• counter
• rebut
• field

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inquire contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of inquire are ask, interrogate, query, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," 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

In what contexts can ask take the place of inquire?

The words ask and inquire can be used in similar contexts, but ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

When might interrogate be a better fit than inquire?

Although the words interrogate and inquire have much in common, interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When can query be used instead of inquire?

The meanings of query and inquire largely overlap; however, query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

Where would question be a reasonable alternative to inquire?

The synonyms question and inquire are sometimes interchangeable, but question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of inquire

As the two disrobe and begin going at it, a knock at the door heralds their shipmate Willoughby, who’s come to inquire if Claire wants seconds on the broth (alleged to be an aphrodisiac). —Amy Wilkinson, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2024

Newsweek has contacted the Trump campaign for its response to Roberts' message, and to inquire what role the Heritage Foundation will play in the upcoming administration. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024

Over the weekend, the social media personality, real name Danielle Bregoli, was spotted by TMZ, who approached and inquired about her current condition in light of her ongoing health battle. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 26 Nov. 2024

The order mandated that public hospitals inquire about patients’ citizenship status starting Nov. 1 and report expenses quarterly and annually to state officials. —Madeline De Figueiredo, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Nov. 2024