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

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

Detainers are requests from ICE to other law enforcement agencies asking to be notified when immigrants in their custody are released so the federal agency can proceed to detain them. —

Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 Since October, requests have grown from 50 bandanas to nearly 250, Oliver said, and recently totaled 10 in one day. —

Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

Verb

Mitchell alleges that there was an internal investigation that was conducted by Walker and requested by Gerlach, and that no wrongdoing was discovered. —

Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Much of the material in the civil litigation actually came from those investigations and was requested through legal processes by the litigants. —

Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for request

Recent Examples of Synonyms for request

Noun

The question is already swirling Dec. 10, 2024 Becerra last week demurred when asked about his plans days after leaving his federal post.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
These factors call into question whether the opinions expressed in a DOJ brief filed on Jan. 17 captures a viewpoint still shared by the DOJ as of Jan. 20.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2025