The word “ask” means to pose a question or request information. Some antonyms of “ask” are “answer”, “reply” and “respond”.
When you ask a question, you are seeking an answer. For example, “She asked him a difficult question.” In contrast, when you answer, reply or respond, you are providing a response to a question or statement. For instance, “He answered her question promptly.” or “She replied to his inquiry.” or “They responded to the request.”
So, while “ask” is about initiating a query, its antonyms are about providing a solution or response. Asking shows curiosity or a need for information, whereas answering, replying and responding demonstrate knowledge or willingness to engage. In a conversation or interaction, the balance between asking and these antonyms is crucial for effective communication.