solicitation

noun

so·​lic·​i·​ta·​tion sə-ˌli-sə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce solicitation (audio)
plural solicitations
1
formal : the practice or act or an instance of soliciting
email/telephone solicitations
Unauthorized solicitation is prohibited.
sometimes : an urgent or persistent request : entreaty, importunity
I laid the matter before him, but he was disinclined to attempt the unfamiliar task. The editors, however, renewed their solicitations. Adam Badeau †1895
2
formal : a quality or force that moves or draws : incitement, allurement
… a vigilance against the solicitations of dejection and despair.newyorker.com

Examples of solicitation in a Sentence

the mail is always full of solicitations from worthy causes
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This material should not be construed as a recommendation, or advice or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any investment. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 7 July 2025 Edward Kelley, 36, was found guilty in November 2024 and sentenced on July 2 for his charges of conspiracy to murder federal employees, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, and influencing a federal official by threat. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 Following a three-day trial in November, a Tennessee jury convicted him of conspiring to murder federal employees, solicitation to commit a crime of violence and influencing a federal official by threat. Ella Lee, The Hill, 2 July 2025 The April 29 poolside celebration demonstrates how Faena Group has transcended fundraising from donation solicitation to bringing patrons directly into their brand universe. Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for solicitation

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solicitation was circa 1520

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Cite this Entry

“Solicitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solicitation. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

solicitation

noun
so·​lic·​i·​ta·​tion sə-ˌli-sə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce solicitation (audio)
: an act or practice or an instance of soliciting
solicitation of a proxy for a shareholder vote
specifically : the crime of soliciting someone to commit a crime (as murder)

More from Merriam-Webster on solicitation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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