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

Relevance

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
Jeff Bezos and Indian Creek Country Club did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fortune. Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Logitech didn’t respond to Ars Technica’s request for comment. Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
Patients Can Bypass The Clinical Hierarchy Entirely​ As awareness grew of dense breast tissue as a risk factor, patients began requesting 3D imaging by name. Erez Meltzer, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 After many countries froze or seized assets linked to him, China called for his arrest and requested his extradition from Cambodia. Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • Women considering enlistment are generally more likely to ask practical questions about pregnancy policies, hygiene and whether barracks were coed, recruiters and women currently serving explained.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • But there is a deeper question of why a modern tech company, especially an AI company, would need to soften their image with cotton and canvas.
    T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Elite football demands difficult, sometimes brutal decisions.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • OpenRouter adds what money cannot buy quickly, namely developer distribution and aggregated inference demand already flowing through one interface.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • However, no other peer country separates the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine as the president has now ordered.
    Amanda Seitz, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • He was ordered to remain in maximum-security detention pending trial.
    Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • China, seeking to avoid fuel shortages of its own, is limiting its own refined fuel exports.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • When the state failed to secure bids, municipalities had to seek emergency supplies or contact salt mines directly.
    Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Appearing on Fox News on Thursday, Vance was asked how the conflict could ultimately end.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Women considering enlistment are generally more likely to ask practical questions about pregnancy policies, hygiene and whether barracks were coed, recruiters and women currently serving explained.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Anne Arundel County Public Schools previously responded to inquiries about the joint statement from the DOJ and Education Department.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • By Tuesday afternoon, more than 107,000 people had signed an open letter calling on the government to commission a public inquiry into media coverage of Arday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Downsizing With brands like Slate entering the market, automakers appear to be hearing the call for cheaper options.
    Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • With a keen interest in the African market, the club was tipped off about Diomandé at an early age and followed his progress in the US, eventually signing him in November 2024.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Diomandé’s time at DME Academy ended in 2024, but he had already been invited to trials at professional clubs around the world.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • According to one study using data from 2020, just 9% of adults reported ever being invited to participate in a clinical trial.
    Michelle Andrews, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on request

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster