inquire

verb

Definition of inquirenext
as in to ask

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example 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 inquire The Jayhawks were one of many schools that inquired about Dent, according to Giles. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025 To register or to inquire about volunteering, call 630-483-5799. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025 General manager John Lynch did not dispute a report last month that teams are inquiring about Aiyuk. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 Shelters generally don’t inquire about citizenship to avoid violating laws prohibiting discrimination and the Homeless Management Information System, the region’s main database listing everybody asking for help, doesn’t record immigration status. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inquire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquire
  1. ask
  2. examine
  3. question
Verb
  • This included when one circuit asked fans of Minions: The Rise of Gru to stop throwing bananas (talk about a slippery slope!).
    — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Her mom has successfully kept her isolated from her grandfather even though Hazel has asked a lot about him and shown interest in getting to know him.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of ask
Verb
  • Investigators also examined two exemplar helicopters, according to the statement.
    — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Forensic investigators will examine the findings for signs of trauma, injury and a cause of death.
    — Dawn Klavon, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of examine
Verb
  • Legal experts are questioning the authority of the Trump administration to pause the federal funding.
    — Selina Wang, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • A number of filmmakers and institutions are questioning the legality of NEH grant cancellations, pointing out that the funding was originally authorized by Congress.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of question

Browse Nearby Words

inquietude
inquire
inquired
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inquire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquire. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of inquire for Spanish Speakers

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