REQUEST Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

request 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈkwest

Definition of request next

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

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

as in to order

to give a request or demand for a notice requesting that I report for jury duty on Monday morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to seek

to make a request for request extra ketchup for my fries

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to ask

to make a request of a letter from the First Lady graciously requesting the chorus to perform at the White House

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

President Trump approved Kentucky's request for a disaster declaration, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief efforts throughout the state. —

CBS News, 17 Feb. 2025 Braun did not return a Tribune request for comment. —

Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025

Verb

The 14 states are requesting that a judge block Musk’s ability to carry out certain actions, such as canceling government contracts or ordering spending changes. —

Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Feb. 2025 The office has given agencies until 8 p.m. Tuesday to issue layoff notices, according to a person familiar with the plan who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. —

Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for request

Recent Examples of Synonyms for request

Noun

No question, there have been outstanding players at other positions that demand our attention: J.J. Watt, Terrell Owens, Troy Polamalu, to name a few.

— Sean Gregory, TIME, 8 Feb. 2025
In 2020, when the pandemic began, Elaine and Arthur hopped on a video call with another couple to ask each other their 36 questions.

— Sofía Sanchez, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025