INQUIRY Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

inquiry

noun

in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē

Definition of inquiry

as in investigation

a systematic search for the truth or facts about something an inquiry into the origins of the universe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in request

an act or instance of asking for information one student made a hesitant inquiry about the assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 inquiry As the near-certainty of a record-breaking super El Niño has become clear, the scientists who predict and study it have been inundated by inquiries from the press and public. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 The document lays out a 90-day compliance agenda, which features a realistic baseline for tier visibility, entity list screening and a documentation stress test that was developed based on a real-life CBP inquiry. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Examine how other companies explain their value, demonstrate expertise and guide customers toward an inquiry or purchase. — James Fratzke, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Inspectors general often conduct informal inquiries into complaints against staffers, and many times those inquiries do not result in a full-on investigation, which can result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. — Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquiry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquiry

Noun

The State Law Enforcement Division didn't say if their investigation into any of the men is continuing.

— MEG KINNARD, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
In January, the FBI raided a Post reporter’s home, as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of mishandling sensitive national security information.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigation

Noun

If Fielder is again playing a version of himself here, Holmes seems to be offering near infinite versions of herself up for examination, like a set of unblinking reflections in a hall of funhouse mirrors.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
The search and forensic examination of the property remain ongoing.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of examination

Noun

Get timely insight into the cases, rulings, and constitutional questions defining America’s legal landscape.

— Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
Most questions were friendly and business-centric, but Marshall also gave his opinion on several polarizing issues, including federal immigration enforcement, tariffs and the war in Iran.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

Architects have long toyed with shipping containers as objects of exploration, deploying these off-the-shelf metal structures for a wide variety of uses.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Two months of virtual-production exploration before filming also allowed Fraser and the directors to test lighting, camera movements and the scale of spacecraft interiors.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of exploration

Noun

The difficulty, the grand jury noted, was that almost all of those involved were lawyers — savvy enough to comply with jurors’ queries without getting anyone in trouble.

— Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
The State Department did not respond to CNBC's queries sent outside of working hours.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of query

Noun

For now, the study identifies a previously underappreciated part of the immune system that could help overcome one of SCLC’s most persistent defenses.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Clinically tested in a 16-week study, the fast-absorbing cream has stats to back up its benefits.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of study

Noun

Federal authorities seized Omar's phone in the search and have issued more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including to some of her relatives, a person briefed on the probe told the AP this week.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
The council opened its probe following a month of intense debate surrounding the risks posed by advanced AI models, and is aiming to use testimony and information unearthed through the investigation to guide new regulations.

— Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026