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

Van Dayne did not immediately respond to a request for comment. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026 Richardson has not responded to requests for comment on ProPublica and The Post’s reporting. — Molly Hensley-Clancy, ProPublica, 5 Nov. 2026

Verb

Dallas police officers are requesting help to identify one of the suspects in one of the Halloween Deep Ellum shootings. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026 La Liga did not respond to request for comment on emergency protocols. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request

Recent Examples of Synonyms for request

Noun

Last April, a lead national security prosecutor in the investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan was replaced on the team after raising questions about the strength of the case.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
The mission’s classified status leaves several technical questions unanswered.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

The demands of the Navy SEAL training pipeline weeded out about 68% of candidates at various stages of training, according to Navy data between 1998 and 2023.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
According to experts, such conditions place considerable demands on a humanoid robot’s mechanical and electronic systems.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of demand

Verb

Carter ordered an expedited hearing on the state’s and county’s motions to dismiss the case and the government’s motion for a preliminary injunction.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Rolón has ordered three criminal investigations into the Ueno Bank crisis, including claims involving Peña and other current and former government officials, the prosecutor's office said Thursday.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of order

Verb

Unlike journalists seeking records through the California Public Records Act, the watchdog can compel internal agency records.

— Julie Watts, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
But some Democrats sought to preemptively dissuade their party from using a wave election to further stack the deck in a partisan fashion.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of seek

Noun

Black asserts that the statements made by Garcia are false and that traveling to appear on national television to make such statements about the inquiry into Epstein’s crimes goes beyond the purview of a member of Congress.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2026
But when Congress asked questions, the company ignored our inquiries and refused invitations to testify.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of inquiry

Noun

Tokyo’s national fusion strategy has channeled substantial public backing into private demonstration ventures, giving firms like Kyoto Fusioneering a springboard to pursue joint ventures across western markets.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
As political uncertainty recedes following the conclusion of the US midterm elections, equity markets responded immediately, with all three major benchmark indices closing higher overnight.

— , CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of market

Verb

Anthropic has invited banks, wealth managers and other financial services companies to help shape these future capabilities.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
The announcement comes one day before Rossum will appear at Raising the Prevention Generation, an invite-only event for survivors, allies and advocates, co-hosted by WME and RAINN.

— Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of request

noun

verb

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