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
Share only the information necessary to complete the request. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Neither Sheets’ campaign nor French responded to a request for comment. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
But on Friday, the architect working on the Dunkin’ project requested that the application be withdrawn. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026 Many employer health plans require parents to request enrollment within 30 days of birth. — Stephanie O'Neill, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • The Sun enters your 9th House, beginning a month of exploration, study, travel, publishing, culture, and questions that stretch your understanding of the world.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Corn, an eminent scholar of American art, has been thinking about this question for five decades.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But as gas demand from data centers and LNG export terminals on the Gulf Coast has surged, new pipeline deals are being announced every few weeks.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • China seemingly makes up for a large portion of the demand, some 25 tonnes in August, Goldman noted.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In August 2022, Garza was ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered to be jailed until a bed in a state mental health treatment facility was available.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • An Eagle man charged with animal cruelty in the shooting deaths of two caged cats was ordered to serve a total of 14 days in jail after accepting a plea deal in August, according to court records.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • SpaceX is seeking to raise an extra $40 billion in debt to help fund the campaign, but even fans on Wall Street question how SpaceX will raise the massive sums required.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This legal challenge is not seeking to remove the measure from the ballot.
    — Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The defendants have asked Judge Amanda Brailsford to dismiss the lawsuit.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Those of us committed to public education should be asking whether public school families know these resources may be available to them.
    — Raymond C. Pierce, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Kotlikoff did not immediately respond Tuesday to an email inquiry about Jane Doe’s letter.
    — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The inquiry asked about the NBA’s role in the matter, possible discipline and whether the teams would be instructed to be present for the anthem before Wednesday’s Game 3.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • One reason was that the consolidation of health systems was leading to higher prices, as some systems had monopolies in certain markets.
    — Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • That leaves most fans choosing between full price and the resale market.
    — James LaForge, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Successful candidates will then be invited to spend a day at the bank’s offices where they are tested on banking regulation, their use of AI, and their ability to build calculations.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Her singing caught the attention of Abboud Saadi, the bassist for Lebanon’s most famous singer, Fairuz, who invited her to a recording session with Bypass Studio owner Ziad Rahbani.
    — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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