INQUISITIVE Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'inquisitive' contrast with its synonyms?

The words curious and prying are common synonyms of inquisitive . While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing. // dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

Q: When can 'curious' be used instead of 'inquisitive'?

The meanings of curious and inquisitive largely overlap; however, curious , a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know. // children are curious about everything

Q: When would 'prying' be a good substitute for 'inquisitive'?

The words prying and inquisitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prying implies busy meddling and officiousness. // prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

inquisitive

adjective

in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv

Definition of inquisitive

as in curious

interested in what is not one's own business an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own

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How does the adjective inquisitive contrast with its synonyms?

The words curious and prying are common synonyms of inquisitive. While all three words mean "interested in what is not one's personal or proper concern," inquisitive suggests impertinent and habitual curiosity and persistent quizzing.

dreaded the visits of their inquisitive relatives

When can curious be used instead of inquisitive?

The meanings of curious and inquisitive largely overlap; however, curious, a neutral term, basically connotes an active desire to learn or to know.

children are curious about everything

When would prying be a good substitute for inquisitive?

The words prying and inquisitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prying implies busy meddling and officiousness.

prying neighbors who refuse to mind their own business

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 inquisitive As played by Christoph Waltz, Hans Landa is a delightfully inquisitive portrait of Nazi horror. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 Bindi, a young female wallaby, is inquisitive and extremely curious, while Wally, a young male wallaby, is more cautious and likes to look at things from afar, Borozenets said. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Paige is energetic, determined, and inquisitive where Kevin is defeatist, sad, and zhlubby. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 Brainy and inquisitive, she’s intrigued enough by his demented search to offer to help. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquisitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquisitive

curious

Adjective

Lindvall had a blunt warning for musicians and composers curious about the technology.

— Ben Croll, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
He was made concertmaster in his youth orchestra and was always curious about what all the other instruments were doing.

— Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of curious

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“Inquisitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquisitive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inquisitive

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