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

Trump’s inaugural committee and his transition team did not respond to requests for comment. —

Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024 Advertisement The court issued a two-page order to show cause, setting an April hearing for prosecutors to argue why the higher court should let the case continue instead of siding with the defense team’s request to throw it out. —

Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024

Verb

In 2022, the Division 1 Board of Directors clarified that schools could request donors to provide funds for collectives, as long as those were not directed to a specific sport or athlete. —

Bret Baier, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2024 Airlines routinely request ground stops, which hold flights at origin, so that destination airports aren’t overwhelmed by flights with nowhere to park when there are disruptions. —

Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 24 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
The other big question is whether a good, hard warm-up accomplishes the same thing.

Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024