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

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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

Examples 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
Spokespeople for Turning Point and the Trump transition did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024 The Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment. Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
In a letter sent Thursday to a local judge, SpaceX requested an election to determine if its Starbase site, which is home to SpaceX’s rocket production and launches, should be turned into an incorporated city, The Associated Press reported. Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024 In Modesto, where John Thurman Field dates to 1955, MLB requested $32 million worth of improvements. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for request 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • Sadly, the mainstream media hasn’t bothered to ask me any questions about it.
    Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Their lead appears cemented and unassailable, but the major question surrounds the formation of a stable government.
    Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This rapid pace also positions SpaceX as a dominant force in the space launch industry, enabling it to outpace competitors and meet increasing demand for space exploration.
    Joel Shulman, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Over the past few seasons, NASCAR has reshaped its schedule to adapt to new trends and meet audience demands.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Justice Julian Goose ordered a clerk to enter the pleas in Liverpool Crown Court as Rudakubana stayed mum during a video appearance from the London prison where he is being held.
    Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
  • She had also been ordered to stay out of airports, not leave the city of Philadelphia — except to meet her lawyer, attend court or other pre-trial services in New York — surrender travel documents, and receive mental health treatment.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This strategic evolution comes at a time when wealthy individuals in the Middle East are actively seeking diversification beyond traditional Western markets.
    FamilyOfficeHK Contributor, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • More importantly, the Nuggets are seeking help in the form of someone who is able to create offense with the ball in his hands.
    Sam Amick, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • What's New TikTok is making a final push to stay active in the United States, asking the Supreme Court to block a federal law that could effectively ban the social media app unless its parent company, ByteDance, divests its U.S. operations.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • When asked which Golden Girl would most identify with Sharp, Simard emphatically answered Bea Arthur’s character Dorothy Zbornak without a second thought.
    Emily Burns, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Besides the inquiries into Trump, the FBI in recent years also investigated Biden's handling of classified information as well as Biden's son Hunter for tax and gun violations.
    Compiled by Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The inquiry began with a narrow claim that King’s inner circle included men with ties to the Communist Party.
    Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • It’s been rare, in my experience, that the trade market is the first to go.
    Dan Hayes, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The Yankees are in the market to sign Hernández too, according to multiple reports.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Biden has so far followed precedent during the transition by inviting Trump − who broke norms four years ago by skipping Biden's inauguration − for a meeting last month at the White House.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Trump was invited to France last weekend at the behest of President Emmanuel Macron.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near request

Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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