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 They were asked if anyone came to mind as a suspect, but couldn’t think of anyone. — Meghan O'Brien, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 Authorities have asked residents to avoid the incident area, keep roads clear, and avoid visiting the Wainwright Health Center except for critical medical needs. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 James encourages the aspiring to experiment, examine their photographs and footage, and ask themselves why something works or doesn’t. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026 At one table, members of Greater Westville Indivisible asked attendees to fill out postcards encouraging Connecticut residents who vote less frequently to head to the polls. — Reginald David, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ask

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ask

Verb

Flores is accused of participating in decisions to torture prisoners and helping oversee a network of officials responsible for detaining and interrogating people perceived as threats to the government.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
At least one copy fell into the hands of the Gestapo, which was hunting for Seghers and interrogating her associates.

— Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of interrogate

Verb

The new agent would then deal with the team on the player's behalf in requesting a trade — which is rarely a pleasant conversation.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
That total included voters who requested ballots delivered by mail, as well as those who requested print-at-home ballots via email, the SBE said.

— Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of request

Verb

The Justice Department has charged about 90 people for various types of election misconduct so far this year, including 50 who are reported to have voted as noncitizens.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
He was cleared of that, but then fell out with a friend who had helped concoct his alibi in the libel case, and was charged with perjury.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of charge

Verb

An invite-only Rocket Variant replaces standard features with a single-seat configuration and perimeter thrusters for true flight, rendering it non-road-legal.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
For the spring 2027 collection, McGirr fulfilled a dream, inviting the jeweler and former McQueen collaborator, Shaun Leane, to create pieces for the runway for the first time in 16 years.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of invite

Verb

There is little public clarity around the individual voters whose registration is being contested or how the administration began to question their eligibility.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
But Laura Zimmermann, Common Sense Media’s director of youth AI research, questioned the value of OpenAI’s statistics.

— Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Verb

Speed, volume and rapidly shifting vectors are why a base of automation is required, while complexity and risk are the factors that demand human intervention.

— Carlos Morales, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Depending on the route, manufacturers can add protective layers and steel-wire armoring to help the cable withstand demanding conditions, particularly in shallower waters where anchors and fishing equipment pose greater risks.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 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
The 2 Legacy Brands in Everyone's Head Conducted in September 2026, CNET Group's survey quizzed 1,000 Americans on security and privacy topics.

— Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of quiz

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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 20 Oct. 2026.

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verb

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Synonyms of ask

verb

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