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
In one 10-day period, Moonshot relayed nearly 300,000 customer requests to Anthropic, the vast majority of which were routed to Claude Opus models. Jenny Lee, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026 The conditions of a restraining order depend on the type of order and also the specific situation that prompted the request. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
The result is an utterly unique tile that celebrates its imperfections and is widely requested for modern bathrooms and kitchens. Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026 The Associated Press requested access to affected areas soon after the disaster struck, but has not been given permission to visit the area. ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • Clear information gives everyone a fair chance to ask questions and prevents resentment from filling in the missing details.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Authorities were not immediately sure what caused the crash, and Cordero-Stutz declined to answer additional questions from reporters.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Dong Lijuan, chief statistician at NBS, attributed the rebound in inflation to volatile global commodity prices, seasonal food price gains, and rising demand in high-tech industries, according to a statement accompanying the release.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • As the first generation of entrepreneurs adapts to the demands of international business, these companies are moving beyond simply selling products abroad and starting to behave like true multinationals.
    Danny Vincent, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Earlier this year, Johnson ordered Chicago police to collect evidence for possible felony charges against agents.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Dialogue comes from recordings with native speakers, and lessons focus on real-world scenarios like ordering food or navigating an airport instead of vocabulary drills.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The split also means immigrants in some parts of the country are getting bail hearings while those in other places, including Texas and Louisiana, face additional hurdles to seek release.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
  • According to the document’s timeline, NASA seeks a groundbreaking for a permanent campus no later than next year, the first class to be enrolled and begin studies in temporary facilities in 2028, and a transition to a permanent campus in 2031.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Explain what matters to you, then ask the other person to do the same.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Boone did not rule out that possibility when asked before Sunday’s game.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Each case becomes a moral inquiry into memory, guilt and dignity, while Porto itself emerges as a character.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Each room comes with butler service, and activity inquiries and changes were seamless with the knowledgeable front desk team.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Wolves hadn’t won many free agent battles against big-market teams like this before.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • SpaceX’s Starlink network already does this, and Amazon is pursuing the direct-to-device connectivity market with its Amazon Leo constellation.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • When Schaesta Ama outs him and kicks him out of their home, Payam comes to Mansur’s aide (albeit temporarily) but does not invite him up into his caste for more than an afternoon.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • After years without contact, Sandra mysteriously invites her outspoken, alcoholic mother, Diane (Dianne Weist), and her mousy sister, April (Naomi Watts), to the premiere of her upcoming Broadway show.
    Matthew Huff, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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