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 Netanyahu has consistently resisted such calls for three years and has not appointed any other special inquiry to investigate the failures that day. — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 To book a stay here, guests must send an inquiry through the website—a sign of just how exclusive the hotel is. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 For decades, organizations have evaluated opportunities through sales conversations, referrals, customer inquiries, events, and procurement activity. — Adam Feiner, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an investigative subpoena to OpenAI as part of a broader inquiry into cybersecurity incidents and risks related to its AI models. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquiry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquiry

Noun

The reports come after misconduct findings against some interfraternity chapters in the spring and multiple criminal investigations, according to the letter.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
As the investigation uncovers a string of killings linked to a strange ritual, the two are pushed into working together, facing down otherworldly threats as well as unfinished business from Lan’s past.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigation

Noun

The event was held at the request of Epoch AI, an organization that benchmarks the progress of artificial intelligence systems.

— Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
David Peck, Pourharton’s attorney, told the Town Plan and Zoning Commission that his client’s business has created no reason for rejecting the request, noting that GG hasn’t been the scene of arrests or police activity.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of request

Noun

The youth movement, which emerged earlier this year out of anger over high unemployment among young people and leaked examination papers, has grown into a political force.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Writer-director Reed Van Dyk’s feature debut navigates tricky emotional waters but emerges as a trenchant examination of what forgiveness and penitence can look like, allowing no room for anything resembling a pat happy ending.

— Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of examination

Noun

His office did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press regarding a possible snap election.

— JOSEPH WILSON, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
The question should be how technology can make returning it cheap enough that the government no longer has an excuse.

— Mark Lewyn, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

There are some films like this on other social justice issues that movie beyond a kind of polemic into a deeper exploration of the material.

— Antonio Ferme, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
PinkPantheress credits Kelela, along with Kaytranada, as being an essential influence on her exploration of electronic music.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of exploration

Noun

Leaders of organizations can encourage knowledge workers to develop friction-generating queries of AI models.

— Monideepa Tarafdar, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
If the model consistently recommends you in blind queries, the other levels of reputation maturity are likely in good shape.

— Alona Karpinska, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of query

Noun

One study found that, while just under half of hiring managers looked for AI and related tech skills, nearly three quarters (73%) prized critical thinking/problem-solving, and 65% looked for adaptability/learning agility.

— Reynald Fasciaux, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Looking through his microscope, Kubelka counted cells as part of a study of neuromuscular diseases.

— Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of study

Noun

The Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement the probe was initiated after a complaint from China’s domestic industry.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
The probe, which comes one day after top tech leaders signed a self-regulatory AI accord at the White House, could compel tech CEOs to testify before Congress.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of probe

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“Inquiry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquiry. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inquiry

noun

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