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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

The companies named in the lawsuit did not respond to a media request for comment. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 10 July 2026 Reps for the brand did not reply to a new request for comment. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 10 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 board unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Hilda Solis, directing county attorneys to send a letter to Lineage Logistics outlining a list of demands and requirements, and asking that the company respond within 48 hours.

— City News Service, Daily News, 8 July 2026
Growing demand is partly driven by the proliferation of temple content on social media, according to Liu.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 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

Maine Democrats are seeking a new nominee, and several candidates have already begun jockeying for position.

— Meg Kinnard, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
The state sought records and responses to questions about the company’s lobbying of the White House and the Department of Justice, suggesting that the DOJ had improperly approved the merger in June.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 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

On Wednesday morning, the NCAA sent a letter of inquiry to Cincinnati centered on Sorsby and his time with the program.

— Cal Phillips July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
These collective actions are crucial to safeguard scholarly inquiry and faculty independence against political interference.

— Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of inquiry

Noun

Gifts from foundations, such as those backed by the Samueli and Sun families, rose by about 3%, despite huge gains in stock markets and other assets that typically boost the financial health of foundations.

— Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
As the market scales and visibility increases, legislative frameworks are likely to follow.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Definition of market

Verb

In February, Cadiz announced that the federal Environmental Protection Agency had invited it to submit an application for a $194-million low-interest loan for the northern pipeline project.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Vakos was invited to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp, though he was passed over for a veteran kicker.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of invite

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reputes

request

requested

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Style

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of request

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verb

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