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Synonyms

inquisitor

American  
[in-kwiz-i-ter] / ɪnˈkwɪz ɪ tər /

noun

  1. a person who makes an inquisition.

  2. a questioner, especially an unduly curious or harsh one.

  3. a person who investigates in an official capacity.

  4. a member of the Inquisition.


inquisitor British  
/ ɪnˈkwɪzɪtə /

noun

  1. a person who inquires, esp deeply, searchingly, or ruthlessly

  2. (often capital) an official of the ecclesiastical court of the Inquisition

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of inquisitor

1495–1505; < Latin inquīsītor, equivalent to inquīsī-, variant stem of inquīrere to inquire + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Why, his inquisitor demanded, had Dillon, Read taken a disproportionate share of the profit from the funds it managed for the public?

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Amorim said, without giving his inquisitor a chance to reply.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2025

Cornwell surely knew there was a fan in Morris, an enthusiast of the elusive as much as an inquisitor.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2023

A couple sits before an inquisitor grasping their tax returns.

From New York Times • Nov. 2, 2022

Jean Louise turned to her inquisitor, a young woman with a small hat, small features, and small sharp teeth.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee