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
Abruzzo placed a public records request after CFO Ingoglia’s news conference at a West Palm Beach steakhouse and claimed Palm Beach County government had overspent by more than $344 million. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026 Neither Amy nor Noah responded to PEOPLE's requests for comment. Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
The building’s owner, Stephen Chacko, did not immediately respond to a phone call and text message from the Star-Telegram requesting comment. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026 Several organizational sources briefed on the matter, all of whom requested anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic, told The Athletic that the HR department for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment — the Tigers’ parent company — was made aware of a complaint against Alvarez on Monday night. Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • San Diego is delaying most impacts of a new state law that requires cities to allow high-rise housing near trolley stations and major bus stops — but questions persist about how many bus stops the new law will affect.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • The Knicks are leaving fewer questions by the game.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Ukraine has made the return of prisoners of war a central demand throughout the conflict.
    Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • While often seen as a hedge against inflation, the value of such assets depends entirely on secondary market demand.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Early in the morning on May 6, police in riot gear encircled the encampment and ordered everyone to clear out, arresting 64 individuals who stayed.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • Henry White was sentenced to 37 months in prison in December and was ordered to pay the same restitution amount as his sister, officials said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • The project is particularly acrimonious, drawing out geographical battles between north and south and thorny fights between officials who want to build the tunnel and environmentalists and Delta residents seeking to protect the local ecosystem and their way of life.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • Max Allegri sought refuge in the dug-out at the Mapei Stadium.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The congresswoman asked lawmakers to assess the situation and develop a repatriation plan by the end of the day on May 7.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • The debate was sponsored by The Denver Post, Denver7 and Colorado Public Radio, and the first question asked Bennet and Weiser to identify a policy position that separated them.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The results of that inquiry have never been made public.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • Our report highlights that AI adoption throughout the industry will primarily impact routine, repetitive tasks, such as inventory management, scheduling, or basic customer inquiries.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Hard data on the cask investment sector is hard to come by, but data from Whiskystats indicates that the broader Scotch market has lost almost a third of its value over a torrid three years.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 9 May 2026
  • In 2025, Colorado’s housing market shifted.
    Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Bosses, colleagues, friends and patients are invited annually to nominate nurses who exemplify the best in their profession.
    Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 7 May 2026
  • See’s lovers are invited to meet the CEO, nibble on candy and share their See’s memories and stories of their favorite pieces.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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