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

Three minutes before the Ethereum transfer, an address funded through Tornado Cash submitted a delegation request involving a Binance hot wallet. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026 While campaigning Wednesday, Peltola called the story a distraction, according to Alaska Public Media, and the non-incumbent Sullivan did not respond to Alaska Public Media's requests for comment. — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026

Verb

Ask the provider’s billing office which services and codes were submitted and request a correction if something appears wrong. — Sujeong Park, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026 The Miami Herald requested records from the city to determine whether Kaemmer sought paid time off during the period she was observed campaigning and to establish the dates and hours of any leave. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request

Recent Examples of Synonyms for request

Noun

California voters face a crowded November ballot packed with questions on taxes, special elections and environmental rules.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2026
The researchers ultimately want to turn more safety questions into measurable challenges.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

Carter ruled after a 3½-hour hearing Tuesday, where a slew of attorneys for the state, county and independent voting rights groups argued against the administration’s demands.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
As families’ interest in charter schools continues to grow, however — charters enrolled over 400,000 students in 2026, up nearly 50,000 students since 2022 — supply and quality must keep up with demand.

— Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of demand

Verb

Mountbatten-Windsor was also ordered to move out of the Royal Lodge, his longtime home in parkland near Windsor Castle.

— Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Israel ordered residents to evacuate the gunmen's neighborhood and closed roads into and out of Hebron.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of order

Verb

These private, elevated spaces so intrinsic to the character of the property will remain closed to the public while management seeks a practical solution.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Shuler has sought to use AI to mobilize voters this election cycle, even as data centers divide organized labor and invite public backlash.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of seek

Verb

The person asked a mutual contact to warn Rosman, according to three people familiar with that exchange.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Attendees asked engineers to provide preliminary cost estimates for street lighting running from the stadium connection north to Swepco Road.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ask

Noun

The charges should not have been brought, and Bhengura does not belong in prison, Mario Herrera, a lawyer who represents Bhengura, wrote in response to an inquiry from a reporter.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
Netanyahu’s opponents said he should be held accountable for the security failures that occurred on his watch and have demanded a commission of inquiry.

— Giovanna Dell'Orto, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of inquiry

Noun

The small-ball Milwaukee Brewers playing in the smallest market in the majors are World Series champions for the first time in franchise history.

— Rob Maaddi, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
The cost of the drugs there and in the private market limits their use, the philanthropist and former energy trader John Arnold notes.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of market

Verb

Yungblud is inviting fans behind the scenes of his blockbuster Idols era with a new exhibition in London, featuring previously unseen images captured by his photographer and creative director, Tom Pallant.

— Sophie Williams, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026
How 10Best came up with its rankings For the rankings, 10Best’s expert panel submitted nominees for the independent coffee shop category, then invited the public to vote for their favorite over a month-long period.

— Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of invite

Browse Nearby Words

reputes

request

requested

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Style

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of request

noun

verb

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