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

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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
Once an official restitution request is made for the Ségou treasure – in this case by Senegal — then two committees, including experts from France and the requesting country, plus government representatives, will examine the case. Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Cross’ contract was obtained recently by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution through an open records request filed in March shortly after his hire. Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
Once an official restitution request is made for the Ségou treasure – in this case by Senegal — then two committees, including experts from France and the requesting country, plus government representatives, will examine the case. Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Of those polled, 95 percent said their children request specific stores, restaurants or experiences. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • That arrangement coincided with an extended period with no group output as members prioritised solo careers, and subsquent fan frustration and widespread questions about the future of the group.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Six weeks after Beloozerov’s funeral, the FBI peppered Marina with questions during an hourslong interview at the agency’s field office in Washington.
    Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In Spain, hotel demand along the eclipse’s path of totality — including in the northern Spanish cities of A Coruña, Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela — has soared.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Oil prices are ticking up, as Iran hardens its stance over control of the Strait of Hormuz and other demands to end the war, dashing hopes for a quick deal to reopen the waterway.
    Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Everyone who pre-ordered the MVP+ bundle has been playing since August 6.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Kuilan was ordered held without bail during his arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court last Tuesday.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Across Africa, political elites have often sought healthcare or maintained homes abroad, even as public services at home struggle.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In the more familiar galaxy far, far away, their friends Hera Syndulla, Ezra Bridger, Zeb Orrelios and Chopper must face the powerful Grand Admiral Thrawn and his sinister allies, who seek to plunge the fledgling New Republic into war.
    Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In their final days together, Alexander said Beloozerov asked him to go to his office and return his laptop and security cards for him.
    Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Helaena asks Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon’s third-season finale.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • He was charged in December after the Army Criminal Investigation Division opened an inquiry in October following a complaint from a patient at Fort Hood.
    Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Minnesota authorities began criminal inquiries after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, having to fight the federal government to secure the relevant evidence.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Oil prices bounced around before finishing higher Tuesday while global stocks were mixed as markets awaited a key inflation report expected to influence upcoming monetary policy decisions.
    Betty Nguyen, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Tunitas Creek Beach property was never put on the market or it may have been snapped up by a Silicon Valley billionaire for a trophy house.
    Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • More than 30 independent bookstores across North Texas are inviting readers to explore their shelves, collect passport stamps, and discover the communities that make each shop unique.
    CBS News Texas Staff, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sensing a disconnect or worse, a feeling of being forgotten, Campbell this summer invited some of the men who wrote those letters to campus.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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