REQUEST Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

request 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈkwest

Definition of request

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

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

as in to order

to give a request or demand for a notice requesting that I report for jury duty on Monday morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to seek

to make a request for request extra ketchup for my fries

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to ask

to make a request of a letter from the First Lady graciously requesting the chorus to perform at the White House

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Venus city officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026 So SpaceX's proposal for 456 launches from Starbase per year includes a request for approval for 912 landings. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit are investigating Kariem’s death, police said, and have requested anyone with information to contact the department. — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Family and friends request that donations be made in Cosay’s memory to the SPCA of Monterey County. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request

Recent Examples of Synonyms for request

Noun

Get timely insight into the cases, rulings, and constitutional questions defining America’s legal landscape.

— Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
Most questions were friendly and business-centric, but Marshall also gave his opinion on several polarizing issues, including federal immigration enforcement, tariffs and the war in Iran.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

But in fashion, demand often peaks much earlier, when a piece is new, in season or suddenly everywhere because a creator wore it.

— Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Jio Platforms, the company at the center of Musk's remarks, is coming up with a record IPO issue soon, but its valuation demands have met with pushback from investors who seem unconvinced of the company's positioning as a tech business.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of demand

Verb

Xuan and Zhang, who have pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing through their attorneys, were ordered held in lieu of $20 million bail.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
According to police, one of the suspects held a security guard at gunpoint, forced the guard to turn over his weapon and ordered him to face down on the ground before the group forced entry into the building.

— Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of order

Noun

Waddhwa moved to strike a film development deal around the incident after getting unsolicited inquiries from Indian media firms.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Many of Netanyahu’s electoral rivals, including Eisenkot, have promised to immediately establish an independent commission of inquiry if elected.

— Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of inquiry

Noun

As per estimates provided by Indian market intelligence firm Prime Database, Jio was expected to raise around 377 billion rupees through its IPO.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
With huge streamers to nurture, however, will some content stay in the family and not make it to market?

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of market

Verb

An invite-only Rocket Variant replaces standard features with a single-seat configuration and perimeter thrusters for true flight, rendering it non-road-legal.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
For the spring 2027 collection, McGirr fulfilled a dream, inviting the jeweler and former McQueen collaborator, Shaun Leane, to create pieces for the runway for the first time in 16 years.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of invite

Browse Nearby Words

reputes

request

requested

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Style

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of request

noun

verb

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