inquire

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

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 More than a few journalists inquired about these features, which are found in Rivians and Teslas and make all sorts of sense for the Buzz. Roberto Baldwin, WIRED, 21 Oct. 2024 Resources include materials for individuals with mental health issues, people inquiring to help a friend as well as adults who care for youth, and can be found on the official website. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 10 Oct. 2024 When Chip Kelly, then UCLA’s coach, inquired about linebacker Ethan Calvert, Collins told him to consider Schwesinger. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 Patients can contact a dedicated call center to inquire about these offerings or speak with a clinician who can provide emotional support services, the company said. Annika Kim Constantino,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inquire 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquire
Verb
  • Police said no arrests have been made and asked that anyone with information on the shootings to call 512-974-TIPS.
    Austin American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder will ask President-elect Donald Trump to release him from a 20-year prison sentence, his attorney said.
    Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • While the review was initiated to examine the leadership structure of the county’s Office of Education, the agency’s investigators quickly pivoted to the education board after hearing numerous complaints from staff, said Mike Fine, CEO of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team.
    Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • All students are required to take fine arts and humanities courses as part of their undergraduate core curriculum, with the goal of promoting critical thinking and helping students examine problems through multiple lenses.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Vallow Daybell's mental fitness was also questioned during her that case, as she was initially ruled incompetent and ordered to receive treatment during her Idaho trial.
    Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Add in the mixed bag of fan feedback, and even the most secure person can question themselves.
    Lindy Segal, Allure, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near inquire

Cite this Entry

“Inquire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquire. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on inquire

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