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 With his caring heart, inquisitive mind, and joyful spirit, Adam has so much to offer. — CBS News, 29 July 2026 Getting caught off-guard by inquisitive kids is part of the job as parents. — Christian Dashiell Published, Parents, 26 July 2026 Away from the pitch, Schlager is a voracious reader and has an inquisitive mind. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Anyone who’s sat next to a kid (or an inquisitive adult) firing off nonstop questions knows how quickly focus disappears. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inquisitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inquisitive

curious

Adjective

Yes, Thom is in the cult, or at the very least, Riders of the Afterlife–curious, a development that doesn’t track at all but does give him another opportunity to express that he’s broken and misses his dad.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
For people in Iowa curious about live music as a profession, that access can make the industry feel closer.

— Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of curious

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“Inquisitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inquisitive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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