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
But Judge Froso Christodoulides granted his request to postpone proceedings until Tuesday. ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026 The company and its owner, Sergiy Zhuldasov, did not respond to requests for comment for this report. John Kelly, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
Bean provided all the documents the university requested in May 2025 before he was denied, the lawsuit claims. Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 Earlier this week, his counsel requested additional medical evaluations. ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • The Pentagon declined to address questions about the accounting discrepancy.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Google’s initial answer to my screen-time question indicated that two hours was a limit for teenagers.
    Leo S. Lo, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That accounts for approximately 16 percent of Knicks road-game demand and 14 percent of road-game search interest, according to StubHub.
    Jason Jones, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Developing those colors required Pantone’s trend forecasters to work alongside its color scientists, pairing cultural signals with the technical demands of creating stable, repeatable standards.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Frimpong also ordered the government to thoroughly document the probable cause that leads to an arrest before a warrant could be obtained.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Niger ‌State’s ⁠NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The suit, brought by 13 named and four anonymous researchers, is seeking to halt the process of searching applications and current grants for specific terms to determine if they should be rejected.
    Anil Oza, STAT, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Khalil does not want to be shot at, or sought by the secret police, or detained in some for-profit gulag.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Explain what matters to you, then ask the other person to do the same.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Boone did not rule out that possibility when asked before Sunday’s game.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That leaves us with an inquiry into who benefits from its disclosure.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Does a warmer tone work better for one type of inquiry but slow down a straightforward transactional call?
    Pete Hanlon, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The brands that win new territory are the ones humble enough to learn the market before trying to lead it.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Highly anticipated Despite a raft of conflicting recent statements from policymakers, markets had priced in a better than 90% chance that the FOMC would approve the increase, though there was chatter about the possibility of multiple dissents.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Macklemore invited Robert Kraft, the owner of Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots and the person who pressured Messina Tour Group to fire him, to match his donation.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • This is the kind of place that invites you to press pause—to slow down and truly appreciate what’s around you.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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