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

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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 Noah Lamb, 24, was charged in federal court in Northern California with eight counts, including soliciting the murder of federal officials and a conspiracy to assassinate federal officials, according to court records. Holmes Lybrand, CNN Money, 2 July 2025 Twenty years ago, the Colorado Rockies and pitcher Denny Neagle, who was cited for suspicion of soliciting a prostitute, agreed on a $16 million buyout of his $19.5 million deal. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 June 2025 To assemble the list, TIME solicited nominations across sectors, and polled its global network of editors and correspondents, as well as outside experts. Time Pr, Time, 26 June 2025 The account was then used to solicit hundreds of thousands of dollars from fraud victims, including the $133,565 from the man who was now trying to reclaim his funds. Cezary Podkul, ProPublica, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for solicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solicit
Verb
  • In New Mexico, stories and survey data from participating youth helped make the case to legislators that the state should grow and sustain the program with state funds.
    Linda Darling-Hammond, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Five years ago, 33% of companies surveyed used all three, compared to just 22% today.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • But a December revolution ended the Assad family’s rule, and the former Islamist militant who leads the new government has sought new investment and trade links, which Gulf states in particular have been quick to offer.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • His lawyers argued the prosecution failed to prove the charges against Combs, and the defense sought an acquittal after the prosecution rested.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Fastow started by going door to door to dozens of insurance brokers in San Francisco and asking them about their pain points and most time consuming tasks.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • He was regularly asked about his access to national defense information, prosecutors said.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • When all 16 of her campers and her co-counselors were safely accounted for at the pavilion, Ainslie heard campers from another cabin — one that housed some of the camp’s youngest children — begging for help.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • Read on for our roundup of gallery wall ideas in living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways to turn an empty wall begging for a makeover into a memorable design statement.
    Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Children may be tempted to touch the flames, which can reach temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees and some run with them, sometimes leading to eye impalement.
    Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
  • At month 10, schedule a conversation focused entirely on what might tempt them away.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Shelia and Rachel were again interviewed by police, this time sharing a slightly different story and changed demeanors, according to 20/20.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 6 July 2025
  • According to reports, the Knicks interviewed Staley after reaching out to her school’s athletic director, Jeremiah Donati, for permission.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Personnel requested ground and air ambulances, and began performing life-saving measures.
    Theresa Clift July 12, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
  • Hoyos, 20, requested that applicants create a final product that was engaging, cohesive and matched her specific style.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The podcast invites you to think about things in a new way, which will distract you from road trip boredom.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Erin Patterson invited her estranged husband’s mother, father, aunt and uncle to lunch at her home in the southern state of Victoria in Australia in July 2023 and served them beef Wellington made with death cap mushrooms.
    David Mac Dougall, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solicit. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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