Synonyms for ask

verb

1. To inquire

   request, query, question, inquire, interrogate, examine, cross-examine, demand, make a request, raise a question, pose a question, call for, apply for, file for, angle for, frame a question, require an answer, want to know, catechize, make inquiry, make application, apply to, order, command, requisition, direct, put questions to, institute an inquiry, enjoin, bid, charge, petition, call upon, invite, urge, pray, beg leave, challenge, pry into, probe, scour, investigate, quiz, sound out, draw out, grill*, dun*, put the screws on*, turn the heat on*, put the bite on*, put the bee on*, pump*, give the third degree*, worm out of*; see also question 1.

   Antonyms answer*, refute, deny.

2. To solicit

   request, entreat, supplicate; see beg 1.

3. To expect

   hope for, claim, demand, charge; see require 2, value 2.

4. To invite

   propose, suggest, urge, summon; see invite 1, 2.

ask and the more formal inquire and query usually denote no more than the seeking of an answer or information, but query also often implies doubt as to the correctness of something the printer queried the spelling of several words; question and interrogate imply the asking of a series of questions to question a witness, interrogate adding the further implication of systematic, often extensive, official examination to interrogate a prisoner of war; catechize also denotes close questioning, but implies the expectation of certain fixed answers, esp. with reference to religious doctrine; quiz, used esp. in schools, implies a short, selective questioning to test factual knowledge of some subject