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
The Observer submitted a records request to obtain the records from City Council to get the exact numbers for the raise. Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026 Access is free through a lottery system, with MK2 receiving around 200,000 ticket requests each year. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 3 July 2026
Verb
Per The Guardian, Harry specifically requested police protection outside of royal residences to ensure his family's safety. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026 The Cumberland County Sheriff's Department later requested that state police take over the investigation. Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • Their absence from the London leg of the trip now raises questions about whether a family reunion will happen during the visit.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • The questions Mozeliak asks and answers now are the same ones Kasten did with the Dodgers.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • The board unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Hilda Solis, directing county attorneys to send a letter to Lineage Logistics outlining a list of demands and requirements, and asking that the company respond within 48 hours.
    City News Service, Daily News, 8 July 2026
  • Growing demand is partly driven by the proliferation of temple content on social media, according to Liu.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • That kind of granular information is important for emergency responders in the field and planners who make decisions about calling for extra help or ordering evacuations.
    Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Americans across the nation are being asked (or ordered) to conserve water, thanks to widespread drought made even worse by a punishing heat wave.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Mamdani sought to paint a picture of division in the country as a tool of the rich and powerful.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • But Dickinson also sought peace with Britain well after the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord.
    Hillel Italie, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • When asked about his All-Star nod over the weekend, Joe Ryan focused on his team’s offense and the upcoming schedule instead of himself.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Darnell didn’t have an answer when asked if Acuff, Clifford and Cardwell will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in the final game of the California Classic.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • This will trigger a hard credit inquiry that will temporarily lower your credit score several points.
    Dan Avery, CNBC, 1 July 2026
  • To stop seeking answers is a choice to dim a light that has guided human inquiry for millennia.
    Florencia Canelli, Scientific American, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Medora Lee is a money, markets and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest level since May as negotiations between the United States and Iran ease financial markets.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Swifties are pretty pumped (check out this Kansas City bakery's wedding cake) and are tracking any sign of what the bride will wear, what inside the arena look like and who's invited (or not).
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • While chatting with ExtraTV at the Tight Ends & Friends concert presented by Sports Illustrated and Reese's, San Francisco 49ers player George Kittle confirmed he was invited to the upcoming ceremony — and revealed one of the pair's wedding rules.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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