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 The memo, which also described the probe, made clear that the inquiry is not exploring whether or not event contract exchanges violate New York's state gambling laws. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 Raskin opened the missive by acknowledging that Paramount has not responded to his four previous inquiries in the past 12 months. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 The district did not respond to inquiries about any specific policies before publication. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026 The Atlanta Police Department referred all inquiries to the FBI. — Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquiry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquiry

Noun

This year, the agency has already posted 20 investigations and says work remains active for 18 foodborne illness clusters.

— Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
The Army notified his former patients there about the investigation and how to report any complaints, NBC News reported.

— Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of investigation

Noun

Families can also participate in daily arts and crafts sessions, with materials provided on request and staff on hand to help kids create their own souvenirs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Friday’s hearing likely will address a disagreement between prosecutors and the defense over the retrial location – not necessarily over whether to move it, but over the defense’s new request to have it in Charleston specifically.

— Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of request

Noun

Noor Kestou, 33, of Commerce, appeared for a preliminary examination on Thursday on an involuntary manslaughter charge, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
And Becca is so sassy too when Mel wants to try to do the examination.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of examination

Noun

That arrangement coincided with an extended period with no group output as members prioritised solo careers, and subsquent fan frustration and widespread questions about the future of the group.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Six weeks after Beloozerov’s funeral, the FBI peppered Marina with questions during an hourslong interview at the agency’s field office in Washington.

— Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

Lichtenstein recommends supporting style exploration while still identifying realistic limits and slowing down big choices through compromise and open communication about why your teen wants to switch up their look.

— Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
The energy minister said ExxonMobil plans to expand its exploration activities off Cyprus and is expected to receive an additional license to search for hydrocarbons.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of exploration

Noun

For anyone asking whether this kind of analysis—unequal parts interpretation, speculation, and evaluation—will save a worrying figure, the query imparts its own futility.

— Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026
Second, consider if your search queries need to come from a certain region or location for the best answers.

— Julien Khaleghy, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of query

Noun

And in a study of a third group of over 690 participants, super movers had better cognition and lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
For the new study, Chang’s team created specialized fluorescent animal models that enabled them to visualize and isolate all of the cardiac neurons on the heart.

— Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of study

Noun

The agency launched one investigation into DPS last year after the district built a gender-neutral bathroom at East High School and a second Title IX probe in July after a teacher was accused of making female students kiss each other in class.

— Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026
The researchers then used a sophisticated pump-probe laser technique.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026