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 analysis was based on jail booking data that the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office released to The Sacramento Bee in response to a Public Records Act request. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2025 After successfully renovating the aforementioned home, Batchelor began selling goods online and built pieces by request for friends and acquaintances before pitching the idea of buying his own shop to his wife. Otto Rabe, The Enquirer, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
The defense requested the investigation in June, with prosecutors filing a motion in response the same day, according to a case summary records log. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 5 Aug. 2025 The politician previously requested that the parole board conduct a comprehensive risk assessment investigation into whether the brothers could pose a risk to public safety should they be released. Becca Longmire, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • Plus, an expert PEOPLE editor answers the burning question of the week, and one of our favorite stars joins us for a sitdown.
    Staff Author, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Ingrid Walker-Henry, president of the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association, asked several questions about contractor oversight of the project during the July 31 meeting.
    Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • On this day in 1877: After the Nez Perce tribe refused government demands to move off its land, U.S. troops fired upon tribal members at dawn by Big Hole River in Montana Territory.
    DAILY BRIEFING, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Even so, in North America, Plank expects to face continued challenges in fiscal 2026 due to higher tariffs and softer demand.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Attorneys for Bedrock Healthcare argue the court's decision to order the nursing homes into receivership was hasty and unnecessary.
    Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Federal authorities have issued grand jury subpoenas ordering the state to produce extensive records as part of an investigation of possible irregularities in the distribution of tens of millions of dollars in government grants to social service and business nonprofit organizations in Hartford.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Journal Sentinel also sought feedback on the school's name, with 10 readers responding.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • This makes your yard less welcoming by providing fewer places for chipmunks to seek cover, says Anderson.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • During talent reviews, ask: who developed across the business this year?
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • During an appearance on the Thursday, Aug. 7, edition of 360 With Speedy, the actor was asked to share a story about the singer.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Eagle Hills Elementary did not answer the Statesman’s questions, directing inquiries to the school district.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The department is currently gathering information, Yates said, but will not begin an official inquiry until after the teenager’s Aug. 28 juvenile court appearance.
    Caroline Neal, The Courier-Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Macquarie said that if the market reverts to pricing on supply and demand fundamentals lithium miners could quickly correct.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • But the market for cycles with an electric assist has existed for considerably longer, and a number of companies predate the recent surge.
    JOHN TIMMER, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • My father’s would-be wife, riding a horse, invited us to join.
    Tochi Eze August 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The Friends of the Cardiff by-the-Sea Library invite all to celebrate the joy of reading at their end of summer half-price book sale to be held Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cardiff by-the-Sea Library at 2081 Newcastle Avenue in Cardiff.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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