request 1 of 2

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
At the request of WWD, Balenciaga’s current archive team unearthed a yellowed page from that order book for the spring 1966 season, her saleswoman Mademoiselle Margot detailing dresses, pants, coats and suits at prices ranging from 1,500 to 11,000 French francs. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2026 Requiring multi‑person approval based on the type and impact of the request limits what deception can achieve under pressure. Steve Piper, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Verb
The committee is requesting that Cox, Hayden and Tompkins provide documents related to the city’s sanctuary policies by June 10. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026 Mecklenburg County officials nor Peachtree responded to request for comments on the property transfer. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • So the question is no longer theoretical.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • Amble Health did not respond to questions for this article.
    Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The Maoists’ shrinking realm sits atop rich veins of coal, iron, and bauxite – resources essential to India’s modernization and growing energy demands; Modi’s pledge to bring electricity to every household; and his broader ambition to transform India into a developed nation.
    Dhruv Tikekar, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Many of the companies have started offering GLP-1 medications for weight loss as demand for these drugs has exploded.
    Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • One person just ordered three for the summer months since the fabric is durable and keeps its shape even after multiple washes.
    Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 24 May 2026
  • In addition to ordering Gonzalez to stay at least 100 yards away from Avery and their 7-year-old daughter, Lavender, the judge barred her from talking about the case on social media.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • The lawsuit seeks unspecified economic and non-economic damages, in addition to reimbursement for court costs and attorney fees.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • The vitamin A derivative boasts myriad benefits for mature skin, plus anyone seeking to preemptively stave off signs of visible aging.
    Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Researchers asked where knives were kept, how to light matches, what kinks are.
    Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • This source of damage is easily avoided by purchasing manure and hay from a reputable source and asking if the source material was treated with aminopyralid.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Her hyperfocus on the leaf raises questions that extend far beyond the kitchen, inviting an inquiry into the banana plant’s movement across geographies and its role in sustaining cultural traditions.
    Sophia Rey, JSTOR Daily, 28 May 2026
  • Todd Becker, senior trial attorney at the Becker Law Group, said his firm had already received inquiries from more than 200 people impacted by the evacuation order, including many business owners looking to recoup lost income.
    Victoria Le, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Energy markets don’t stop at state lines, so when one state rewrites the rules for major producers, every state feels it at the pump and on the power bill.
    Yaël Ossowski, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • With its asking price now at $7 million, the listing remains positioned at the very top end of the Sacramento-area market — but the price cut signals the reality of selling a trophy property where history and architecture are as central to the pitch as bedrooms and square footage.
    David Caraccio May 29, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Johnson, who grew up the son of a pastor, invited the pope to say Mass in Grant Park in 2027, noting that Chicago is home to one of the largest Catholic populations in the United States.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 May 2026
  • November 22 – December 21 The afternoon invites brave, practical reflection.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

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