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
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment regarding Hernandez's arrest. Megan Forrester, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025 The rescission process is not subject to the Senate filibuster, so only a majority of both houses need to concur with the president’s request. The Editors, National Review, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
This event is 21+, and cocktail attire is requested. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 2025 According to their letter, Padilla and Schiff are requesting information on whether agents have arrested, detained or deported any formerly unaccompanied children or their sponsors in connection with the welfare checks in California and nationwide. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • As Catholics mourn the death of Pope Francis and reflect on the pontiff's legacy as a reformer, questions are emerging about who might follow the 266th leader of the church.
    Katie Landeck, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The question looming on many minds around the world following the death of Pope Francis on Monday is who will become the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
    Megan Forrester, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That volume is masking deteriorating demand from key sectors - particularly domestic manufacturing, which drives more than 60% of big rig ton miles, and ocean imports.
    Lisa Baertlein, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In addition, Verge Next will handle the licensing and sales of the technological solutions utilized in the company's motorcycles to satisfy the demands of the international two-wheeler market.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently ordered modifications to a room next to the Pentagon press briefing room to retrofit it with a makeup studio that can be used to prepare for television appearances, multiple sources told CBS News.
    Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Just days ago, a federal judge ordered Ozturk be transferred back to a detention facility in Vermont.
    Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The administration is also seeking relief from having to file daily updates on its progress.
    Ben Finley, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Temporary blocks on the orders were issued last month, but the firms are seeking permanent relief.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Councilmember Vivian Moreno expressed frustration that Get It Done is so internet-based, when many San Diegans lack access and rely on telephones to ask city officials questions or report complaints.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In 2017, the National Institutes of Health asked Hotez to meet with Kennedy to move him off the hobbyhorse of a vaccine-autism link.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While there have been a few inquiries, Iggy still hasn't found his forever home.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The Treasury Department on Wednesday sent an inquiry to the IRS’s acting chief counsel, Andrew De Mello, asking the agency to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status, according to The Washington Post.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump's tariffs and shakeup of global trade has rattled global and domestic markets, with Wall Street tanking over the past month, .
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • With no new goods entering Gaza, many foods have disappeared from markets, including meat, eggs, fruits, dairy products and many vegetables.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sinners studiously adheres to the rules of vampire lore, which means Remmick and his crew are unable to enter the heroes’ juke joint unless specifically invited.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • On the final day, El Batey becomes a focal point, with live drumming and dancing that invite both locals and visitors to join in.
    Melissa Rose Cooper, Essence, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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