inquisitiveness

noun

Definition of inquisitivenessnext
as in curiosity
an eager desire to find out about things that are often none of one's business his irksome inquisitiveness made people reluctant to socialize with him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 inquisitiveness Over time, however, the construct of critical thinking has expanded to encompass personal development, emotional reflection, and dispositional traits such as inquisitiveness, self-confidence, and maturity. — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 There was kindness in his voice, his inquisitiveness an authentic curiosity. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 The salad, in McKinnon’s kitchen, wonders and wanders, and the author heeds its inquisitiveness. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 6 Aug. 2026 The weight of the world—the dismal news alerts, the rent bills, the doomscrolling—isn’t putting them in the mood for lighthearted banter or seductive dancing or organic inquisitiveness. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 Allen attended Pacific Lutheran High School in Gardena, California, where he was known for his inquisitiveness and intellect, a former volleyball teammate told NBC News. — Garrett Haake, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026 Yet by cooling down people and promising to satiate the inquisitiveness of curious scientists, the cucumber managed to spread to all continents. — Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026 This mix of inquisitiveness and exactitude is probably what sets Coyne apart from all the other overconfident music influencers on TikTok supplanting traditional forms of music journalism. — Chris Richards, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026 Sincerity and inquisitiveness are Bear’s style of flirtation. — Aj Mason, Them., 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquisitiveness
  1. curiosity
  2. concern
  3. questioning
Noun
  • There’s something alluringly alien-esque about Davis’ body language here, an intentional stiltedness and curiosity as Margot takes in the world anew, though not before Sam passes out at the sight of her.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
  • That’s how the authors of an article that reviewed existing research described curiosity.
    — Brandi Watterson, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of curiosity
Noun
  • While more than 100 law enforcement agencies across the country have ended their contracts with Flock Safety in recent weeks over privacy concerns, the company and the state of Georgia are deeply tied to one another.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • And as a result, the data centers built to enable this growth have drawn scrutiny from communities and across party lines, including concerns over higher electric bills.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of concern
Noun
  • Stern placed the disagreement over the bill within a broader, historical Jewish practice of debate and questioning.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Nonprofit boards offer an excellent starting point, providing opportunities to develop crucial governance skills like strategic thinking, accountability, and constructive questioning.
    — Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of questioning

Browse Nearby Words

inquisitive
inquisitiveness
inquisitorial
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Cite this Entry

“Inquisitiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquisitiveness. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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