request 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈkwest How to pronounce request (audio)
Definition of requestnext
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

Relevance

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

1
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
2
as in to seek
to make a request for request extra ketchup for my fries

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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

Example 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
The Wyandotte County Election Office did not respond to requests for comment Monday. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026 Estee Lauder and Walmart didn’t immediately return requests for comment. —Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Officers rendered aid and requested paramedics to the scene. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026 The Dallas Morning News has requested a copy of the agreement. —Silas Allen, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request
Recent Examples of Synonyms for request
  1. question
  2. demand
  3. order
  4. seek
  5. ask
  6. inquiry
  7. market
  8. invite
Noun
  • The reversal follows a string of high-profile shootings involving federal immigration agents in which eyewitness statements and video evidence have called into question claims made to justify using deadly force.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • And then just to finish the question, step three is then to expand and really build out the brand from there and build other kinds of businesses around it, like events, businesses, and so on.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • But multiple Democratic senators said that's not enough to persuade them to back off their demands.
    — Riley Beggin, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Albemarle revenue down but beats expectations Albemarle also raised its long-term global lithium demand forecast Thursday, citing an explosive growth in the stationary storage market.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of demand
Verb
  • The resort hosts an ample breakfast buffet each morning at EsQuilina, the main restaurant, which often turns out to be a better deal than ordering à la carte.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Satisfied with medical procedures already in place, NASA ordered no extra checkups for the crew ahead of liftoff and no new diagnostic equipment was packed.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of order
Verb
  • Bass and her campaign team have sought to highlight a list of accomplishments, including a steady decrease in homicides, a drop in street homelessness and her efforts to accelerate the construction of affordable housing.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The president has spent the past several months seeking to spotlight his efforts to lower drug prices for Americans.
    — DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of seek
Verb
  • Footage of the incident shows King Charles greeting dozens of residents when one man shouted at him, asking whether the monarch had urged police to investigate his disgraced brother, according to The Times.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • But for those interested in fashion history, these red carpet looks are key texts just asking to be pored over.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of ask
Noun
  • London’s Metropolitan Police earlier this week opened a criminal inquiry into files suggesting Mandelson accepted money from Epstein and passed him confidential financial information while serving as a government minister 15 years ago.
    — Peter Weber, TheWeek, 5 Feb. 2026
  • An Alberta public inquiry found that the cash to support pipeline opposition flowed to Canadian environmental activist groups through American charities, obscuring the identity of the donors.
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • Albemarle revenue down but beats expectations Albemarle also raised its long-term global lithium demand forecast Thursday, citing an explosive growth in the stationary storage market.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
  • In the bond market, Treasury yields fell as investors looked for safer places to park their cash.
    — Stan Choe, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of market
Verb
  • In 2018, Karp was invited for dinner with Epstein.
    — MEG KINNARD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Quiet Bedding Simple bedding in striking colors and inviting textures will star in 2026.
    — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of invite

Browse Nearby Words

reputes
request
requested
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on request

Nglish: Translation of request for Spanish Speakers

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