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 agent runs the request against business rules, like credit score requirements for loan approval, and real-time financial data, like the customer's transaction details for the last three months. Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 After California residency is verified, users create a profile and then submit the DROP request. Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
The couple is requesting that the punitive damages be thrown out, while also claiming that the award of future medical damages to Kallen is prohibited by civil code. Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026 The End of Life Option Act allows adults of sound mind, who have a terminal diagnosis and six months or less to live (and who can administer the drugs themselves), to request life-ending medication from a physician. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • The question is, why and where do the NFL teams go from here?
    Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • That was not Miss Manners’ next question, actually, but OK.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • According to a list of demands posted at the front doors of the mayor’s office, the activists were demanding clarification of the city’s policies regarding police interaction with immigration authorities.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The popcorn chicken was the other top new item of the festival, with cashiers limiting sales at one point on opening day to manage demand.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Greg Nyberg, who quickly phoned the Washington Air National Guard and ordered that a helicopter to attempt a rescue.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The buyer called the number, prompting House officials to investigate and discover that multiple phones ordered under Southerland’s account were unaccounted for, prosecutors said.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Left to its own, Greenland will face relentless pressure from adversarial powers seeking influence through investment, infrastructure and political leverage.
    Paul McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
  • These are typically ultra-high-net-worth buyers — entrepreneurs, senior executives and company founders — seeking privacy, an exceptional year-round lifestyle and long-term value in a welcoming community with limited supply and global appeal.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Denver cannot afford to ask backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham to play catchup against a defense that has tightened the screws in its secondary and become a ball-hawking, blitzing unit.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Some users asked Claude to complete tasks end-to-end, such as translating text and summarizing documents, while others worked with the system iteratively, using it to draft, refine or explore ideas alongside human judgment.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Riu Resorts has yet to respond to our inquiries.
    Janay Reece, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Kelly filed a lawsuit earlier this month in a district court to try to stop Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s efforts to demote his rank in retirement, insisting the inquiry unlawfully punished him for his speech and violated his due process.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Another fun betting market for the NFL Conference Championship Round is anytime touchdown bets.
    Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • This is especially true in credit markets.
    J.D. Hayworth, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Russia and China are among those invited to join the board.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The most trustworthy professionals engage in regular check-ins that invite dialogue rather than deliver directives or interact with people strategically.
    Britney Porter, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

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