Synonyms of request

request 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈkwest 

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

• question
• inquiry
• query
• call
• questioning
• questionnaire
• survey
• poll
• research
• investigation
• interrogatory
• interrogation
• study
• inquisition
• probe
• examination
• exploration
• probing
• inquest
• interrogating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• response
• answer
• reply

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

• demand
• market
• call
• bull market
• bear market
• seller's market
• buyer's market

request

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to order

to give a request or demand for

a notice requesting that I report for jury duty on Monday morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

• order
• requisition
• ask (for)
• call for
• put in (for)
• hire
• license
• charter
• solicit
• commission
• licence

2

as in to seek

to make a request for

request extra ketchup for my fries

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seek
• desire
• require
• call (for)
• demand
• sue (for)
• speak (for)
• ask (for)
• plead (for)
• quest
• urge
• invite
• claim
• solicit
• wish (for)
• apply (for)
• beg (for)
• invoke
• requisition
• bespeak
• press (for)
• exact
• insist (on)
• clamor (for)
• importune
• petition (for)
• enjoin

3

as in to ask

to make a request of

a letter from the First Lady graciously requesting the chorus to perform at the White House

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ask
• invite
• call upon
• petition
• beg
• hit (up)
• call on
• solicit
• require
• pray
• invoke
• appeal (to)
• beseech
• plead (to)
• demand
• implore
• conjure
• entreat
• exact
• supplicate
• importune
• enjoin
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• require
• compel
• force
• oblige
• coerce
• constrain

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

Recent Examples of request

Noun

Alvarez’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Herald. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025

The Reds did not respond to a request for comment, but their attorneys will answer Ruf’s complaint in the weeks ahead. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 May 2025

Verb

In total, Taylor watched 44 videos in chambers that were recorded by police drones in March 2021 — a sampling of the hundreds of tapes that fell within the date range initially requested by Castañares. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025

Because the victim was in critical condition, an airlift was requested to transport her to the hospital while a detective with the Homestead Police Department secured her children and then spoke with them about the incident. —Chris Spargo, People.com, 23 May 2025