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
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
Noun
  • Club seeks to accommodate his trade demand but has gotten no sufficient offer.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2025
  • On July 10, 1966, more than 30,000 Chicagoans braved the 98-degree heat for a rally and march to City Hall to publicize their demands.
    Erik Wallenberg, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Over a two-year period facing charges, he was twice ordered to stay in a mental health hospital; once fired his lawyer; and twice deemed incapable of proceeding to trial due to his mental health.
    Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
  • This was not out of choice: After his capture and before his execution, Höss was ordered to write his memoir, giving an insight into the workings of a mind that was both ordinary and chillingly evil.
    Saskya Vandoorne, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But keeping the value in conference championships helps preserve the stakes of the regular season, which leaders have sought to protect.
    Chris Vannini, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Qorvo – Shares gained 14.4% after activist investor Starboard Value disclosed a 7.7% stake in Qorvo and is seeking changes to improve the company’s share price.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • During the news conference, several people described how the fires had affected their families and asked public officials to hold oil companies to account.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Just ask the Celtics, who fell by 13 points at Toronto (10-31) on Wednesday night.
    Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Spokespeople for Virginia, Virginia Tech, VCU and Old Dominion either declined comment or did not respond to email inquiries.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Michael Washburn, Florida Department of Transportation spokesman, said he’s gotten inquiries about the shirts from a bowling team, veterans groups, national radio shows, and a British newspaper.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In early January, Korea’s market watchdog referred the matter to prosecutors, the Korea Economic Daily reported.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 20 Jan. 2025
  • After the success seen at the market, Elementary Coffee Co. opened their shop on North Street.
    Eric Noll, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In the late Nineties, David Spero invited all four Raspberries to his house to see if a reunion was possible.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Designed with geometric forms that evoke the pyramids in the backdrop, the museum invites visitors to journey through ancient Egypt’s 3,000-year history, starting with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 B.C. and ending with the Roman conquest in 30 B.C.
    Kate McMahon, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near request

Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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