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
The press office also cannot accommodate waves requests or escorts at this time. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025 An Essity spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment. Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Law enforcement was then requested and the passenger was subsequently deplaned. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025 For the first time in Sherrill’s five campaigns, a Republican requested her military record, and got it — without the redactions required by law — showing that Sherrill didn’t walk at graduation from the US Naval Academy. David Weigel, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • But as retail investors push the market higher, and bulls cheer liquidity support and policy tailwinds, some experts are raising questions if the market is entering bubble territory.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2025
  • There's also the question of the mole inside the FBI, which the show seems to be leading us to believe is actually Kathleen McGinty (Martha Plimpton) rather than one of the three task force members working under Tom (Mark Ruffalo).
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With Democrats digging in on a series of health care demands, and Republicans refusing to budge, a deal is nowhere in sight.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Today, many commercial space companies are emerging to meet the demand for on-orbit servicing for spacecraft, satellites, and perhaps (someday) space stations.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After Bukele asked for the contractor’s removal, Johnson ordered an investigation by embassy security officials.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
  • African telecom companies are often at the mercy of government agencies that order the shutdowns, but pressure from the international community could increase accountability and compel the companies to deny unlawful or arbitrary shutdown orders, the researchers argued.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many began seeking alternatives outside the traditional system, and policymakers—particularly in Republican-leaning states—intensified efforts to expand school choice programs.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Magdalene Serenity House received inquiries from 190 women seeking a safe place to heal, recover and rebuild in 2024 with 117 meeting the group's eligibility requirements, organizers say.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But when officers stand in the road, Dutch Bros customers stop and ask them questions.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • She was asked to write about her devotion to Jesus, and her works were published after her death.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Magdalene Serenity House received inquiries from 190 women seeking a safe place to heal, recover and rebuild in 2024 with 117 meeting the group's eligibility requirements, organizers say.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Others under investigation include former CIA Director John Brennan over the Russia inquiry and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook for alleged mortgage fraud.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The property is within walking distance of Lido Marina Village, as well as surrounding beaches, restaurants and shops and farmers’ market.
    Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
  • More than half of Gen X fear a market crash is coming, Allianz Life found.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The two-way contract candidates on Miami’s preseason roster are forward Dain Dainja, guard Trevor Keels, guard Ethan Thompson and guard Jahmir Young, who are all signed to Exhibit 10 training camp invite deals.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Tranquility reigns here, inviting you to truly relax and find peace.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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