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
Select reports that most requests are processed within two days, although those filed on weekends may take up to four days. Ana Staples, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2024 Each member determines their own procedure for ticket requests and distribution, so those interested in attending should find their local senators and representatives to learn about whether tickets are still available for request. Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
Garcia filed for divorce on Sept. 11, requesting sole legal and physical custody of their child with Chigvintsev receiving supervised child visitation. Liza Esquibias, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024 In April 2024, two months after Bailey officially became top cop, the new chief requested the Department of Justice to conduct an independent review of the department’s shootings. Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for request 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
Noun
  • Some questions are hard to answer and always have been.
    Michelle Aroney and David Zeitlyn, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Constitutional questions and religious freedom The appeals court directed McAvoy to reevaluate whether CompassCare and the other plaintiffs could demonstrate that the law burdens their associational rights.
    Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Buzbee subsequently sent a demand letter to the woman's then-spouse accusing him of infecting her, however, Doe's ex pursued their divorce undeterred, the complaint reads.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Goldman Sachs expects eliminating the tax credit will slow U.S. electric vehicle demand until 2040.
    Brian Evans, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Brazilian media reported Saturday that the investigation was ordered by an on-call federal judge in Brazil’s Federal District.
    Sam Mednick and Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Kerley appeared in Miami-Dade bond court, where a judge ordered him released on his own recognizance, according to local reports.
    Zach Powell, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • For those seeking a firsthand experience, Patterson extends an invitation to contact him at 816.536.5693 or visit AdamsFarmKs.com.
    Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2025
  • News to Know Brady’s potential growing influence The Raiders enter today’s matchup seeking a third straight win, but coach Antonio Pierce’s future remains uncertain, as our Dianna Russini reported yesterday.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Gideon Bernstein, Blaze's father, sent a direct message to Samuel Woodward, asking that Sam call him.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
  • But everything about the site asks you to keep walking.
    Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • An inquiry from Newsweek to the senators about what specific incidents, reports and/or complaints spurred the letter earlier this year received no response.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
  • The 14 corrections employees accused of being involved in the attack were placed on administrative leave around the time the death was disclosed amid inquiries by the department’s Office of Special Investigations, the state attorney general and the State Police.
    Ed Shanahan, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • It’s been an astounding year for billionaires, with more than half of the planet’s 2,800-plus members of the three-comma club getting richer in 2024 as markets soared—some by billions and even tens of billions of dollars.
    Connor Greene, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Detroit has lost its cavalry commander from the Last Great Newspaper War, the all-out mid-1980s battle for circulation in the last market outside New York where two newspapers still sold more than 650,000 copies a day.
    Tim Kiska, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • There were plenty of solo shows too which also invited a wider lens to the story of art.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
  • It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.
    Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near request

Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

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