ask

verb

ˈask How to pronounce ask (audio)
Definition of asknext
1
as in to interrogate
to put a question or questions to my coworkers asked me all about my trip to Machu Picchu

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to request
to make a request of ask the salesclerk for assistance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to charge
to set or receive as a price they are only asking $300 for that antique grandfather clock

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to invite
to request the presence or participation of a fixture on the party circuit, that couple is always asking people over for dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ask contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ask are inquire, interrogate, query, and question. While all these words mean "to address a person in order to gain information," ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

In what contexts can inquire take the place of ask?

The words inquire and ask are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions.

began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

When would interrogate be a good substitute for ask?

The synonyms interrogate and ask are sometimes interchangeable, but interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

When might query be a better fit than ask?

The words query and ask can be used in similar contexts, but query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

When is question a more appropriate choice than ask?

Although the words question and ask have much in common, question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

Examples 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 ask And now its lofty and larger sister spread has just popped up on the market, asking an even more substantial $27.5 million. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024 Earlier this year Wanda, who have yet to file a defence, asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing it had not been properly served on the company in Hong Kong. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024 In the studio, Chong told Kane to let his imagination roam free and later asked his merchandisers and buyers to build a diverse range based on the designer’s creations. —Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024 Angst-alleviating initiatives include free park-and-ride shuttle service to trailheads and the Sedona Cares Challenge, which asks visitors to agree to nine ways to help preserve Red Rock Country’s natural beauty, like not forging your own trails and packing out your trash. —Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ask 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ask
  1. interrogate
  2. request
  3. charge
  4. invite
  5. question
  6. demand
  7. quiz
Verb
  • Some were interrogated about their involvement with Scarlett’s pay equity survey and were told their activities were being monitored, and that they could be demoted, according to the complaint.
    Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The non-profit convened a series of surveys and focus groups with consumers and retail investors to interrogate their views on how companies talk about climate change.
    Justin Worland, TIME, 2 Nov. 2024
Definition of interrogate
Verb
  • The legal team has also requested a new trial for Trump, and a decision on that is still pending.
    Avery Lotz, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024
  • The company requested a hearing and was granted an exception to complete its business combination by December 2, 2024.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024
Definition of request
Verb
  • The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office later arrested and charged a man who made public comments about harming FEMA employees.
    Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024
  • Sanchez will use a charging station on Terminal Island’s Pier S to refuel the $400,000 big-rig.
    Pat Maio, Orange County Register, 16 Nov. 2024
Definition of charge
Verb
  • The rock band have shared an open call on social media, inviting people to audition as Tim Alexander‘s replacement after his sudden departure.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Old Town Trolley invited several city policymakers to take rides this week to better understand how historic tours work.
    Nate Rau, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024
Definition of invite
Verb
  • Vallow Daybell's mental fitness was also questioned during her that case, as she was initially ruled incompetent and ordered to receive treatment during her Idaho trial.
    Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Add in the mixed bag of fan feedback, and even the most secure person can question themselves.
    Lindy Segal, Allure, 21 Nov. 2024
Definition of question
Verb
  • This visit comes as Apple seeks to integrate its Apple Intelligence suite into devices sold in the region, navigating a complex regulatory environment that demands careful negotiation and local partnerships.
    Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Rather on theme, the lineup managed to convey permission to laugh rather than demand guffaws.
    Hannah Benson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Definition of demand
Verb
  • Use polls, quizzes and live Q&A sessions on social media to actively engage with your audience.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The ever-charming host and friend of Vulture Brian Moylan led perhaps the juiciest of all the talks, quizzing all the Housewives in the house: Lisa Barlow (Salt Lake City), Ashley Darby (Potomac), Sutton Stracke (Beverly Hills), and Jessel Taank (new-gen RHONY).
    Laura Martin, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024
Definition of quiz

Phrases Containing ask

Thesaurus Entries Near ask

asininity

ask

askance

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Cite this Entry

“Ask.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ask. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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Nglish: Translation of ask for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of ask for Arabic Speakers

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