inquiry

noun

in·​qui·​ry in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē How to pronounce inquiry (audio)
ˈin-ˌkwī(-ə)r-ē;
ˈin-kwə-rē How to pronounce inquiry (audio)
ˈiŋ-;
ˈin-ˌkwir-ē
plural inquiries
Synonyms of inquiry
1
: a request for information
2
: a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest
3
: examination into facts or principles : research

Synonyms of inquiry

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Examples of inquiry in a Sentence

Discovered when Galileo Galilei turned the first astronomical telescope to the heavens in 1610, the Jovian system has been a focus of scientific inquiry ever since. —Chad Galts, Brown Alumni Monthly, November 1996
… his head was tilted at the precise angle of inquiry as to where he should put Muhlenberg's drink. —Theodore Sturgeon, E Pluribus Unicorn, (1953) 1965
… distinguish between legitimate legislative inquiry into the acts of a man … and illegitimate inquiry into opinions … —Norman Thomas, New Republic, 28 Feb. 1955
She refused to answer inquiries from the media about her marriage. The board ordered an inquiry to determine whether the rules had been followed. Further inquiry showed that he had visited the city twice before. The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
To stop seeking answers is a choice to dim a light that has guided human inquiry for millennia. — Florencia Canelli, Scientific American, 1 July 2026 Police said preliminary inquiries found that the boy was home alone before the incident. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 This will trigger a hard credit inquiry that will temporarily lower your credit score several points. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 1 July 2026 Following such a notable increase, a crucial inquiry arises regarding what could facilitate further advancement. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquiry

Word History

Etymology

see inquire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of inquiry was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing inquiry

Rhymes for inquiry

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Browse Nearby Words

inquirer
inquiry
inquiry agent
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Cite this Entry

“Inquiry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquiry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inquiry

noun
in·​qui·​ry in-ˈkwī(ə)r-ē How to pronounce inquiry (audio) ˈin-ˌkwī(ə)r- How to pronounce inquiry (audio)
ˈin-kwə-rē, 
ˈiŋ-;
ˈin-ˌkwi(ə)r-ē
plural inquiries
1
a
: the act of inquiring
learn by inquiry
b
: a request for information
make inquiries at the station
2
: a search for truth or knowledge
3
: a careful examination : investigation

Legal Definition

inquiry

noun
in·​qui·​ry ˈin-ˌkwīr-ē, in-ˈkwīr-ē; ˈin-kwə-rē, ˈiŋ- How to pronounce inquiry (audio)
plural inquiries
1
: a request for information
such doubt as would cause a reasonable person to make an inquiry
2
: a systematic official investigation often of a matter of public interest especially by a body (as a legislative committee) with power to compel testimony

More from Merriam-Webster on inquiry

Nglish: Translation of inquiry for Spanish Speakers

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