1
as in to survey
to go around and approach (people) with a request for opinions or information solicited several opinions about which job he should accept

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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5
as in to tempt
to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage how many men have been solicited into purchasing bogus aids for "male enhancement" by shameless appeals to their vanity?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word solicit distinct from other similar verbs?

The words ask and request are common synonyms of solicit. While all three words mean "to seek to obtain by making one's wants known," solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement.

a letter soliciting information

When is ask a more appropriate choice than solicit?

The words ask and solicit can be used in similar contexts, but ask implies no more than the statement of the desire.

ask a favor of a friend

Where would request be a reasonable alternative to solicit?

The words request and solicit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, request implies greater formality and courtesy.

requests the pleasure of your company

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 solicit The city would fund local water-quality projects, like the construction of sewage treatment plants, but it would also be allowed to solicit and purchase properties to protect the water supply. Tim Heffernan, New York Times, 4 May 2025 The review process could last over a year as the FCC solicits public comment and considers changes. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025 He is charged with bribery, use of an interstate facility to solicit bribery and lying to federal agents and is the first sitting member of the Illinois General Assembly to stand trial in almost a decade. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025 Giuffre came forward publicly after the initial investigation ended in an 18-month Florida jail term for Epstein, who made a secret deal to avoid federal prosecution by pleading guilty instead to relatively minor state-level charges of soliciting prostitution. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solicit
Verb
  • But of the nearly 20 candidates surveyed in the Data For Progress survey, Smith had the lowest net favorability of all figures tested with a negative 3% rating.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • The Infrared Astronomy Satellite, IRAS, launched in 1983 and surveyed the universe for almost a year before being decommissioned.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Today’s digital nomads are seeking remote work destinations that offer reliable Wi-Fi, inspiring workspaces, and even enriching learning environments for their children.
    Cassidy Randall, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • According to authorities, the group sought to radicalize and recruit teens to carry out attacks using Molotov cocktails and improvised explosives.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Here's why Cassie said Combs threatened to 'blow up' Kid Cudi's car During cross-examination, Ventura Fine was asked about her relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • That’s the question writer-director Ari Aster’s somber comedy-Western Eddington, playing in competition here at the Cannes Film Festival, appears to be asking.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • While Kardashian was begging for her life, the men rummaged through her belongings and stole roughly millions of dollars worth of jewelry from her.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • This rule of course begs two questions: where to build and how to pay for it?
    Lucius Riccio, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Having the same player do both not only risks efficiency at each craft, but also tempts mayhem.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • There is a real risk that philanthropists will be tempted to continue to cut back on their investments and grant making.
    First Place for Youth, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Highlights include interviewing the CEO of Hermès, Robert Chavez on the Maison’s new flagship for Forbes.com, Valentino on his major retrospective for CR Fashion Book, and Isabel Marant for MUSE’s fashion issue.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • Dubas wants to interview candidates from different coaching backgrounds.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • In December, the church’s landlord, Ethan Conrad Properties, requested that Garcia put a stop to the events.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2025
  • Weeks after the mistrial, Melly requested that Murphy, who has since retired, set a bond.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • As a rising star at UCLA in 1967, he was personally invited by NFL Browns football star Jim Brown to participate in the Cleveland Summit.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Back in 2018, I was invited to the Positive Planet Gala.
    Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solicit. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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