Synonyms of solicit

solicit

verb

sə-ˈli-sət 

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

• survey
• interview
• canvass
• poll
• interrogate
• question
• circularize
• sound (out)
• feel (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• report

2

as in to seek

to make a request for

always ready to solicit donations for a charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seek
• request
• require
• desire
• speak (for)
• sue (for)
• call (for)
• plead (for)
• urge
• ask (for)
• invite
• quest
• apply (for)
• demand
• bespeak
• importune
• wish (for)
• invoke
• beg (for)
• claim
• insist (on)
• enjoin
• press (for)
• clamor (for)
• exact
• requisition
• petition (for)

3

as in to ask

to make a request of

solicited him to join the team

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ask
• invite
• request
• beg
• hit (up)
• require
• call on
• petition
• invoke
• beseech
• pray
• appeal (to)
• conjure
• implore
• plead (to)
• entreat
• importune
• supplicate
• enjoin
• demand
• exact
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• require
• compel
• force
• coerce
• constrain
• oblige

4

as in to beg

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner

solicit the President for relief funds

Synonyms & Similar Words

• beg
• petition
• ask
• implore
• beseech
• pray
• entreat
• conjure
• appeal (to)
• require
• plead (to)
• importune
• supplicate
• besiege
• request
• call on
• compel
• invoke
• impetrate
• coerce
• desire
• insist
• cadge
• force
• demand
• mooch
• sponge
• bludge
• claim
• command

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suggest
• imply
• please
• hint
• intimate
• satisfy
• oblige
• gratify
• appease
• placate
• conciliate
• pacify
• content
• comfort
• quiet
• mollify
• console

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

• tempt
• persuade
• seduce
• entice
• lure
• betray
• beguile
• bait
• lead on
• allure
• decoy
• fascinate
• rope (in)
• entrap
• trap
• enchant
• draw in
• inveigle
• ensnare
• snow
• mesh
• captivate
• catch
• magnetize
• enmesh
• snare
• bewitch
• charm
• tangle
• wile

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• warn
• alert
• ward (off)
• caution
• drive (away or off)
• forewarn
• turn away
• repulse

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

Recent Examples of solicit

Information copied or obtained from FEC reports about individual contributors cannot legally be sold or used to solicit political or charitable contributions or for commercial purposes. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

But his reputation was dealt a grievous blow by the Epstein files, which showed that Botstein corresponded closely with the late financier for years, including after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

The tribute album also features a contribution Brown solicited from the late Dolly Parton as well as appearances by Billy Strings, Rhiannon Giddens, Willie Nelson, Sierra Ferrell and many others. — Chris Willman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

In addition to the survey, board trustees also hosted a series of town hall meetings last week to solicit public feedback on single-member districts. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026