request 1 of 2

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
Communications officials for the UW System and the governor's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025 The White House did not respond to a request for comment on a list of questions related to this year’s developments. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Verb
The Judicial Tenure Commission accuses Hartig of improperly dismissing four cases with prejudice – so they could not be brought again – during a COVID-19 outbreak in 2022 in which prosecutors requested adjournments. Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 11 July 2025 Legally, there is supposed to be an exception for people who express fear of persecution in their home country and request an opportunity to seek asylum, Webb said. Berezhnova-Gunel was not seeking asylum, Nations said. Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • Neither the Texas Division of Emergency Management nor officials in Kerr County, the area hit hardest by the recent floods in Texas Hill Country, responded to questions about whether any accommodations were made for residents on the registry during the early July catastrophe.
    Miranda Green, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • Countless studies have shown that outcomes for citizens improve when members of the media ask probing questions of politicians.
    Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Navigating diverse global markets is becoming more complex due to rising regulatory demands alongside ongoing instability, trade disputes and geopolitical conflict.
    Alex Ford, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Darling said Duke Energy has signed on to build a 10-megawatt substation, and Panacea will install a solar film system on the roof, combined with hydrogen fuel cells and battery storage to reduce the energy demand by 25 megawatts.
    Laura Kinsler, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Fans can order custom looks — and tiny accessories to match — at their local David's Bridal store by making an appointment with the alterations team, according to a press release.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • For a low-calorie, sugar-free option, order a Caffè Misto with 2% milk or a non-dairy milk, like coconut or almond milk.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The State Department is seeking $2.9 billion in funding to continue HIV-AIDS programs in the next fiscal year—far lower than PEPFAR's current budget of more than $4 billion.
    Nik Popli, Time, 15 July 2025
  • Priya first arrived in Yemen in 2008, joining the ranks of more than two million people from Kerala who have sought better livelihoods across the Middle East.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • You’re asked to enroll your Wi-Fi smart thermostat in a bring-your-own-thermostat program.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • The corporation has asked producer Banijay U.K. to take action to address these issues as a priority.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The State's Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to an inquiry about whether McNeil's video had factored into its decision not to charge Bowers.
    Janelle Griffith, People.com, 22 July 2025
  • At the other end of the spectrum, New Jersey, California, and New York have seen many more inquiries for outbound moves, meaning those states stand to lose residents rather than gain.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • There are a lot of names expected to hit the market, and the Yankees will likely look to add one or two of the top names before the trade deadline.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
  • The Relay fascia is debuting belatedly in the U.K., having already spread to many airports in Europe and the United States, with the latter market being served via LTR’s subsidiary, Paradies Lagardère.
    Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Erin Patterson invited her estranged husband’s mother, father, aunt and uncle to lunch at her home in the southern state of Victoria in Australia in July 2023 and served them beef Wellington made with death cap mushrooms.
    David Mac Dougall, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
  • Saturn Retrograde in Aries invites you to revisit your finances, debts and emotional bonds.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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