request 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈkwest How to pronounce request (audio)
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

1
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
2
as in to seek
to make a request for request extra ketchup for my fries

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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
Officials from Japan's state agencies leading the project, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, or JOGMEC, did not respond to requests for comment. —ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026 The comptroller's office did not respond to requests for comment. —Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
The bank requested that a receiver be appointed to oversee the building and preserve its value. —Thomas Gounley, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026 The group fled the scene and EMS was requested. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
  1. question
  2. demand
  3. order
  4. seek
  5. ask
  6. inquiry
  7. market
  8. invite
Noun
  • He’s made no official announcements yet, and the person who picked up a Friday call to his campaign phone line did not answer a question about whether any decisions had been made.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The upcoming historic mission, expected to lift off as soon as early March, will mark the first time humans have ventured to the moon’s vicinity in more than 50 years — and kick-start a new wave of lunar exploration that could answer enduring questions about Earth’s natural satellite.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • The White House has expressed openness to some Democratic demands, but the two sides have not reached an agreement.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The massive machine will help to meet the high demand for high-voltage power cables required for renewable energy operations.
    — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Definition of demand
Verb
  • The resort hosts an ample breakfast buffet each morning at EsQuilina, the main restaurant, which often turns out to be a better deal than ordering à la carte.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Satisfied with medical procedures already in place, NASA ordered no extra checkups for the crew ahead of liftoff and no new diagnostic equipment was packed.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of order
Verb
  • The brief comment during a lightning round of questions quickly attracted attention and Obama later sought to clarify his remarks with a statement on social media.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Such a ruling allows those wrongfully accused to seek state compensation for time spent in prison and provides official recognition that they were wrongly blamed.
    — Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
Definition of seek
Verb
  • Kidd was noncommittal when asked if Flagg will play at all on Dallas’ upcoming three-game road trip, which has stops in Minnesota, Indiana and Brooklyn.
    — Christian Clark, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Through a stellar debut season, freshman Jazzy Davidson has done everything for USC that was asked of her.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Definition of ask
Noun
  • The backstory Founded in 1941 by British mystic Edwin John Dingle—better known as Ding Le Mei—the Mentalphysics Spiritual Teaching and Retreat Center was conceived as a sanctuary for spiritual inquiry and mental well-being.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Then came the unprecedented announcement last week that Buckingham Palace was ready to cooperate in the event of a police inquiry into Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein.
    — Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • Güell’s vision was to build an estate for affluent families—Gaudí planned 60 homes, a market, and gardens inspired by British parks (which explains the English spelling of the Catalan word parc), but the scheme never took off.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The researchers plan to scale up the technology for larger applications and exploring partnerships with industry to bring this innovation to market.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Definition of market
Verb
  • With over 1,000 miles of coastline, vibrant cities, funky small towns, lush preserves, and even tropical isles that can compete with some of the best islands in the Caribbean, Florida invites you to explore and decide where your life could unfold.
    — Carrie Honaker, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Lenten fish fries are inviting for many reasons but can be a quandary for people with heart and other health issues.
    — John Shumway, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
Definition of invite

Browse Nearby Words

reputes
request
requested
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on request

Nglish: Translation of request for Spanish Speakers

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