INQUISITIVE Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

inquisitive

adjective

in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv

Definition of inquisitive next

as in curious

interested in what is not one's own business an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 inquisitive Still, Riklis fashions a number of memorable and intimate sequences between Nafisi and her female students, when Nafisi quits her job at the university and decides to teach literature in secret to a group of inquisitive women. —

Tomris Laffly, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024 John Eatwell, a veteran British economist who was then a first-year faculty member at Cambridge, recalled that Harris was inquisitive, technically adept, and up to date on the latest literature on both sides of the Atlantic. —

John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024 Yet, preparing inquisitive questions to learn about the company is equally as important. —

Kate Wieczorek, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Endlessly inquisitive, McFadden traveled to more than 60 countries and wed 11 times. —

Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inquisitive