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
The White House did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. Max Zahn, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2026 While the agency did agree to hold an public informational hearing, DEEP rejected the request for a more robust adjudicatory hearing, citing issues with the town and Save the Sound’s applications. John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
According to the reports, ICE sometimes responded by arresting the individual at the scene; at other times, the federal agency requested only an individual’s contact information. Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026 Based on the information obtained during the investigation, an arrest warrant was requested and granted for Stella. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • After that day, when I was given the book which promised to answer all of my bloody questions—my long-suffering American Girl doll went into the closet.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Yes, potential excuses exist, such as the Tigers’ switch to Daniels, a senior Stanford transfer whose tremendous performance (353 yards passing and two touchdowns, 89 yards rushing and two touchdowns) demands the question of why Freeze didn’t turn the offense over to him weeks ago.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The executive order, issued in March, included new requirements that people provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote and a demand that all mail ballots be received by Election Day.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The show is available live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium subscribers.
    Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Free for all East Side San Jose residents, folks can sign up for pick up or order home delivery, as the foundation partners with DoorDash.
    Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Trump, by contrast, ordered the capture of a leader already under narcoterrorism indictment and framed it as a drug bust and accountability for crimes, yet his opponents denounce him as aspiring to kingship and dictatorship.
    Paul Vallas, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But in today’s world of digital creators, those seeking fame face competition in a way Khan’s generation never could have imagined.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Join our live chats or ask a question in advance.
    Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Police added that Lattimore was arrested for not telling the officer there was a gun inside the vehicle when asked.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Formal inquiries began after complaints that personal information shared only in private realms was routinely exposed on the front pages of national newspapers, causing distress and compromising the safety of those targeted.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Wilson County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In a candid interview, top real estate agent and founder of SYKES Properties, Erin Sykes, got real about the state of the Florida real estate market.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Have a market cap less than $15 billion.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • When Bournemouth hired Iraola the following summer, Perez was invited to replace him but chose instead to accompany his pal to the Premier League.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • In crafting Elizabeth’s jewelry, the company invited her to go behind the doors of the Tiffany archive.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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