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
Burrow dialed in Outside of the ongoing Trey Hendrickson saga, all of Joe Burrow’s public requests of the front office have now been met. Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 17 June 2025 Wick did not respond to NPR's prior requests for comment. Stephen Fowler, NPR, 16 June 2025
Verb
However, Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a trade, and the Nets lack a contending roster. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025 Ohtani was not made available to reporters who requested him. Dennis Lin, New York Times, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • While Vance was taking questions, a reporter referenced Padilla's removal from Noem's news conference.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • Advertisement This sort of zombie—which originated the term—brings up the surprisingly tricky question of determining what counts as a zombie movie.
    James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The cloud unit, led by Thomas Kurian, has been one of the faster-growing segments of Google in recent years and is benefiting from demand for artificial intelligence products and services.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 12 June 2025
  • In next-gen data centers, AI reads traffic patterns ahead of time, which helps tune workloads and add capacity the moment demand rises.
    David Boice, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Saturday’s strikes raised immediate questions about the extent of the U.S. involvement in the Middle East and about Trump’s authority to order the bombings without congressional approval.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 22 June 2025
  • Mahmoud Khalil greeted friends and spoke briefly to reporters Saturday at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey a day after a judge ordered his release from a federal immigration facility in Louisiana.
    Holly Ramer, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025
  • Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion at SW19, is also seeking a second Channel Slam in a row.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Our characters all ask if maybe they all got lost on the way.
    Tricia Despres, People.com, 21 June 2025
  • The discussions are at an early stage and may not lead to an offer, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • My firm offers a mobile legal helpline staffed by pro bono attorneys who can take client inquiries regardless of where they are physically located.
    Jeffrey D. Harvey, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
  • The finding opens a new route of inquiry that could lead to novel antidepressant treatments and help other ailments as well.
    Michael Franco, New Atlas, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Sometimes before actually evaluating what the market response might be.
    Simon Lucas, Wired News, 13 June 2025
  • Oil markets are now concerned that Iran will retaliate by attacking either Israeli or American targets, leading to a major military escalation and a potential oil supply disruption, said Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates.
    Spencer Kimball,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • This new season invites audiences to rediscover Portugal through the lens of 20 unique voices — women capturing contrast, identity, and resilience in their own visual language.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 18 June 2025
  • According to Baraka’s lawsuit, Representative McIver had invited him to meet with the congressional delegation outside the facility after their tour.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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