Definition of requestnext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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

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
The former announced on Facebook that its last day would be July 25 but gave no reason for the closure and did not respond to requests for comment. Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Of the major chatbot makers, only Anthropic responded to Ars’ request for comment. Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
Even if an older system is still functioning properly, Amoedo says that buyers usually still request credits or price reductions. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026 The letter also requested additional financial records and accounting information. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • O’Donnell and Hasselbeck again publicly sparred over social media after the former replied to a question about their 2007 clash on the Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel podcast.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The real questions are why the ideology took hold after 1970 and whether current conditions will foster it--or exterminate it.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Speaking of star power, celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Olivia Culpo got married in the area, making the small town an in-demand wedding destination as well.
    Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Healthcare leaders often lack formal management training, creating a paradox where excellent practitioners struggle with leadership demands.
    Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The reversal came a day after the Wall Street Journal reported Trump had ordered the military to prepare a fresh attack that could begin as soon as the weekend.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Targaryen prince does not order his own dragon to pursue.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Like that of his predecessors, João Havelange and Sepp Blatter, Infantino is seeking to rally his core supporters in his traditional power base of Africa.
    Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Over the years, India’s blockbusters have sought to outdo each other in budget, especially those in Bollywood and the Telugu film industry.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Upon being asked to bend the knee, Aegon delivers a fiery speech asserting his magnificence.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Reservations are limited and often book up before guests arrive, so ask the concierge to secure a table as soon as your stay is confirmed.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The piece urges critical inquiry into such claims, emphasizing that human oversight, not AI's inherent deviousness, can be a sizable contributor.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The inquiry shows that just $17,209 was used to pay healthcare and pharmacy costs, according to a review of statements from the couple’s eight Bank of America accounts between late December 2024 and late June 2026.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Adobe Stock Drug discovery has always been one of the slowest and most expensive games in business, often taking around a decade and more than $2 billion to bring a new treatment to market.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This is a large, Art Deco covered market, built in the 1920s for an architectural competition.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • At the upcoming 64th edition, the festival will launch the new NYFF Encounters initiative, which invites a director with a film in the lineup to shoot a new short film at the festival; each will premiere at the following edition.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2026
  • She was invited to be a godparent alongside James Meade, a close lifelong friend of William, Kate’s cousin Adam Middleton, and Thomas van Straubenzee, another longtime friend of William’s who spoke at their 2011 wedding.
    Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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