1
as in to seek
to make a request for
don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to woo
to act so as to make (something) more likely
you are asking for trouble if you invite her ex to the wedding
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to request
to give a request or demand for
the surgeon asked for the scalpel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ask (for)
Verb
-
Many had anticipated Sand would seek the governorship, launching his bid for the seat almost exactly one month after Reynolds announced her retirement.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025 -
Emilia Pérez Jacques Audiard's Emilia Pérez follows the titular Mexican cartel leader (Karla Sofía Gascón), who seeks a fresh start — and a new identity as a woman — with the help of a lawyer (Zoe Saldaña, in her Oscar-winning role).—
Jacqueline Weiss,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
McDonald’s is cutting prices on some combo meals to woo back customers who’ve been turned off by the rising costs of grabbing a fast food meal.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
2 Sep. 2025
-
But wooing Western partners would likely involve some compromises that these dictators are probably unwilling to make.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This past July, the conservative advocacy group America First Legal requested a federal investigation of the chain due to its alleged discrimination against white employees.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The big tech giant won’t be required to sell its Chrome browser — one of the remedies originally requested by the Biden-era Department of Justice.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
According to folklore, failure to notify the bees invites disaster.—
Elizabeth Bass Parman,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
During my late April stay, the water was still and inviting—ideal for a morning kayaking session, gliding quietly across the lake's surface.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The arbitrator also ordered the city to pay Biscari back wages and benefits as well as the legal costs that Local 42 accrued in pursuing the grievance.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
9 Sep. 2025
-
At the same time, the White House has ordered immigration enforcement in cities around the country.—
Kevin Shalvey,
ABC News,
8 Sep. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Ask (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ask%20%28for%29. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share