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

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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
Representatives for the Jackson family estate and Fuqua did not return CNN’s request for comment earlier this year. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025 The Los Angeles Fire Department and the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for further comment. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
Calvo also sued the mayor over a public records request related to the emergency center, a lawsuit later dismissed by a judge. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 When your cousin requests a potato dish on the lighter side, this is the go-to recipe. Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • After that day, when I was given the book which promised to answer all of my bloody questions—my long-suffering American Girl doll went into the closet.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Yes, potential excuses exist, such as the Tigers’ switch to Daniels, a senior Stanford transfer whose tremendous performance (353 yards passing and two touchdowns, 89 yards rushing and two touchdowns) demands the question of why Freeze didn’t turn the offense over to him weeks ago.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The money both clubs have spent brings a demand and an expectation for trophy successes, but, as Liverpool demonstrated last season, there is a strength to be drawn from stability.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • However, high costs, limited maturity, and infrastructure demands will influence the pace of expansion.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Guests can order the complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday ordered a reduction in flights due to stress on unpaid air traffic controllers.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But in today’s world of digital creators, those seeking fame face competition in a way Khan’s generation never could have imagined.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • There was no picture of Krasznahorkai anywhere and somebody came up to him and asked why?
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Hall, a first-term Republican from Rudy, has asked a judge to seal filings in the case.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Formal inquiries began after complaints that personal information shared only in private realms was routinely exposed on the front pages of national newspapers, causing distress and compromising the safety of those targeted.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Wilson County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In a candid interview, top real estate agent and founder of SYKES Properties, Erin Sykes, got real about the state of the Florida real estate market.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Have a market cap less than $15 billion.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • When Bournemouth hired Iraola the following summer, Perez was invited to replace him but chose instead to accompany his pal to the Premier League.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • In crafting Elizabeth’s jewelry, the company invited her to go behind the doors of the Tiffany archive.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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