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.
Physicians have echoed these concerns, warning that their ability to provide proper care is undermined when patients make medical decisions based on misleading legal solicitations rather than professional health guidance. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 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, 13 Oct. 2025 The Pentagon describes solicitation as including calls for tips encouraging military personnel to share non-public information, as many reporters do via their publications or personal social media platforms. Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 7 Oct. 2025 The audit concluded that the district relied on a loophole to bypass a competitive bidding process, using an exemption that allows revenue-generating contracts under $50,000 to proceed without formal solicitation. Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 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 22 Oct. 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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