request 1 of 2

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
Look at how male colleagues frame a request versus their female counterparts. Kelly Ehlers, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026 At Beacon Mobility, employee support systems were introduced to help handle routine internal requests, enabling operational teams to focus more heavily on work requiring judgment, coordination, and empathy. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Verb
The right solution is to go back to sending mail ballots only to those who request them, and to verify most voters in person, at the polls. Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 3 June 2026 Mitchell did not respond to a message requesting comment Wednesday morning. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • So the question is no longer theoretical.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • Amble Health did not respond to questions for this article.
    Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The Maoists’ shrinking realm sits atop rich veins of coal, iron, and bauxite – resources essential to India’s modernization and growing energy demands; Modi’s pledge to bring electricity to every household; and his broader ambition to transform India into a developed nation.
    Dhruv Tikekar, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Many of the companies have started offering GLP-1 medications for weight loss as demand for these drugs has exploded.
    Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • About a week before their return to the state championship game, the Hornets’ catcher’s communication equipment broke, leaving them little time to order a replacement.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • Louisiana is currently using a map ordered by a lower court in 2024 to comply with the Voting Rights Act by including a second district with a majority-Black population.
    JACK BROOK, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Instead, the country will seek compensation for services carried out alongside Oman, including navigation assistance, search and rescue, security and safety services, and environmental cleanup services in the event of pollution, the official said.
    Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 5 June 2026
  • Trump also did not seek approval from Congress to begin construction on the ballroom, a fact which is being contested in courts.
    James Powel, USA Today, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • Arrest comes 40 years later Once they were done eating and interviewing Nash, the team asked him to go outside and look at some photos.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 5 June 2026
  • The police are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Robbery-Homicide Division, Valley Section, Dets.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • Kellen's closed-door appearance before the Oversight Committee, which took place May 21, was part of the panel's ongoing inquiry into the federal government's handling of investigations into Epstein and his alleged co-conspirators.
    James Hill, ABC News, 4 June 2026
  • The company said Wednesday that a new Meta Business Agent feature can be used across apps like WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram to respond to customer inquiries, recommend products and book appointments.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Energy markets don’t stop at state lines, so when one state rewrites the rules for major producers, every state feels it at the pump and on the power bill.
    Yaël Ossowski, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • With its asking price now at $7 million, the listing remains positioned at the very top end of the Sacramento-area market — but the price cut signals the reality of selling a trophy property where history and architecture are as central to the pitch as bedrooms and square footage.
    David Caraccio May 29, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • The nation’s first fully digital presidential museum features a replica Oval Office, high-tech exhibits, Michelle Obama’s gowns and intimate spaces inviting reflection on policy, race and leadership.
    Sophia Tareen, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • Locals are invited to check out the new space Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5, ahead of next week’s grand opening.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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