REQUEST Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'request' distinct from other similar verbs?

The words ask and solicit are common synonyms of request . While all three words mean "to seek to obtain by making one's wants known," request implies greater formality and courtesy. // requests the pleasure of your company

Q: In what contexts can 'ask' take the place of 'request'?

While in some cases nearly identical to request , ask implies no more than the statement of the desire. // ask a favor of a friend

Q: When is it sensible to use 'solicit' instead of 'request'?

The words solicit and request are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement. // a letter soliciting information

request 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈkwest

Definition of request

as in question

an act or instance of asking for information the medical columnist is unable to answer individual requests for specific information on various disorders

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in demand

the state of being sought after especially for purchase reliable babysitters are much in request, especially on weekends

Synonyms & Similar Words

request

2 of 2

verb

as in to order

to give a request or demand for a notice requesting that I report for jury duty on Monday morning

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as in to seek

to make a request for request extra ketchup for my fries

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to ask

to make a request of a letter from the First Lady graciously requesting the chorus to perform at the White House

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word request distinct from other similar verbs?

The words ask and solicit are common synonyms of request. While all three words mean "to seek to obtain by making one's wants known," request implies greater formality and courtesy.

requests the pleasure of your company

In what contexts can ask take the place of request?

While in some cases nearly identical to request, ask implies no more than the statement of the desire.

ask a favor of a friend

When is it sensible to use solicit instead of request?

The words solicit and request are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement.

a letter soliciting information

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of request

Noun

In May 2026, the state comptroller appointed a five-member advisory committee and issued a request for proposals for custody and liquidity services. — Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Taylor Farms did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Post. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

Verb

Each entry includes room types, rates, dining options, reservation information, maps, pet policies, and the authors' recommendations on which rooms are worth requesting. — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain also has requested assistance from the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation, according to records released by Wilson's office, which is not unusual. — ABC News, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for request

Recent Examples of Synonyms for request

Noun

Their absence from the London leg of the trip now raises questions about whether a family reunion will happen during the visit.

— Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
The questions Mozeliak asks and answers now are the same ones Kasten did with the Dodgers.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of question

Noun

The oil crisis brought on by the conflict in Iran has also boosted demand for China’s clean energy technology such as batteries and electric vehicles, as major energy importers have sought ways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Jordan Cvetanovski, chairman and chief investment officer at Pella Funds, said demand for AI infrastructure remains strong as companies race to build computing capacity, but signs of speculative excess are beginning to emerge.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 15 July 2026

Definition of demand

Verb

That kind of granular information is important for emergency responders in the field and planners who make decisions about calling for extra help or ordering evacuations.

— Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Americans across the nation are being asked (or ordered) to conserve water, thanks to widespread drought made even worse by a punishing heat wave.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of order

Verb

Swinehart’s lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages, although no amount is specified.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Alleging that the killing occurred as Royal robbed Watkins, the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office successfully sought from a grand jury an indictment charging Royal with capital murder.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026

Definition of seek

Verb

When asked about his All-Star nod over the weekend, Joe Ryan focused on his team’s offense and the upcoming schedule instead of himself.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
Darnell didn’t have an answer when asked if Acuff, Clifford and Cardwell will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in the final game of the California Classic.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of ask

Noun

South Korean markets are closed for a public holiday, so stocks like Softbank and TSMC have attracted the most intense selling.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 17 July 2026
In January 2025, as the LA wildfires raged, people placed bets on Polymarket, one of the leading prediction market platforms.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Definition of market

Verb

The novel plot is intricately structured and gratifying while the animation — which dips into various styles including impressionism — invites you into an awe-inspiring alternative world.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Flanking the stage were two large neon signs of a cowboy and cowgirl, waving back and forth as if inviting a traveler to come visit for a night.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

Definition of invite

Browse Nearby Words

reputes

request

requested

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Style

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of request

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verb

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