solicitation

noun

so·​lic·​i·​ta·​tion sə-ˌli-sə-ˈtā-shən 

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

Synonyms of solicitation

• plea
• appeal
• prayer
• petition

Examples of solicitation in a Sentence

the mail is always full of solicitations from worthy causes

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to his concern over the solicitation, Cervera criticized Paul’s role in a controversial lease with a nonprofit group, which the School Board canceled in November, leading to the district being sued. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026

Aviation Department spokesman Patrick Clarke said Wednesday that the city manager’s office removed the lease deal from the committee’s agenda and that a solicitation process for proposals will begin. —Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 7 Jan. 2026

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, 5 Jan. 2026

The new restaurants were chosen after a public solicitation for proposals. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for solicitation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Legal Definition

solicitation

noun

so·​lic·​i·​ta·​tion sə-ˌli-sə-ˈtā-shən 

: 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)