Formal:
* Inquired: More formal and polite than "asked."
* Interrogated: Used when someone is questioned intensely, often by authorities.
* Questioned: A more neutral term for asking a question.
* Posed: Used for asking a formal or thoughtful question.
* Enquired: (British spelling) A more formal and polite alternative to "inquired."
Informal:
* Queried: Less formal than "asked," but still polite.
* Wondered: Used when someone is curious about something.
* Wanted to know: A simple and direct way to say "asked."
* Tried to find out: Implies an effort to get information.
* Befriended: Used when someone asks for something from a friend.
Other:
* Requested: Used when someone formally asks for something.
* Demanded: Used when someone insists on getting something.
* Begged: Used when someone asks for something desperately.
* Plead: Used when someone asks for something with urgency.
Phrases:
* Put the question to someone: To ask someone a question.
* Sounded out someone: To informally ask someone's opinion.
* Gained insight: To ask questions to understand something better.
The best word to use depends on the specific situation. Consider the tone, formality, and intention of the original sentence when choosing a synonym.