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

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

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 ask The strikes have raised concerns over Russia’s intentions to escalate the conflict and prompted the government to ask Bulgaria's partners for assistance to strengthen its maritime security. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to call Detective Dixon at 817-459-5579 or Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County at 817-469-8477. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026 Four days later, with a ground invasion of Gaza looming, Netanyahu asked Eisenkot to join a small war cabinet. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026 Blanche asked at the Conservative Political Action Conference. — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ask

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ask

Verb

In practice, that means juniors sitting in on meetings to watch colleagues interrogate the numbers, being present when real decisions get made, and gaining experience in different departments.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Lately, Skarsgård seems to be doing the same, gravitating toward roles that, at their core, interrogate the impact his looks have on other people.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of interrogate

Verb

With Election Day now less than two weeks away, more than 2 million absentee ballots have been requested across Michigan.

— Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Weiss-Wolf’s advice emphasizes understanding your options and advocating for better health care, while recognizing that disclosing symptoms or requesting an accommodation can carry risks.

— Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of request

Verb

Police charged 52-year-old Mooresville resident Rod Moskowitz with assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, court records show.

— Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
And one health care consultancy that finds doctors and mental health care for wealthy families charges retainers starting at $30,000 for 50 hours.

— Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of charge

Verb

Successful candidates will then be invited to spend a day at the bank’s offices where they are tested on banking regulation, their use of AI, and their ability to build calculations.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Her singing caught the attention of Abboud Saadi, the bassist for Lebanon’s most famous singer, Fairuz, who invited her to a recording session with Bypass Studio owner Ziad Rahbani.

— Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of invite

Verb

Prosecutors said the 33-year-old suspect, a German citizen who has ties to the Berchtesgaden area but doesn't currently live there, was questioned.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
A number of protesters were also taken in for questioning and not allowed to join planned marches, according to local media.

— Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Verb

These tests will measure how effectively the hardware handles demanding workloads, although HPE has not disclosed specific processing speeds or expected benchmark results.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Many Worlds demands that our universe actually be a multiverse.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of demand

Verb

Each version features the cast of autistic and neurodivergent interviewers audiences, who collectively quiz celebrities in an ask-anything interview format.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
During the assembly, students were also quizzed on topics including consent and relationship safety.

— Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of quiz

Browse Nearby Words

asininity

ask

askance

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Ask.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ask. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ask

verb

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Synonyms of ask

verb

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