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

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

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 Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment from CNN. — Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 An attorney representing Mays did not immediately return requests for comment. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

After years of legal proceedings in the United Kingdom and Romania, the Tates were arrested in Miami by US Marshals on July 18 on provisional arrest warrants requested by Britain. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Schrama gave prosecutors five days to decide, with the option to request an additional five days. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for request

Recent Examples of Synonyms for request

Noun

As Kevin Warsh thinks more hawkishly than expected in Washington, the answers to many of his questions may be in Seoul.

— William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Although not quite as polished on the racial politics front, Lanterns’s third episode is no less intriguing, as an hour of television dedicated not only to answering pressing questions but fleshing out its lead character in disturbing ways.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of question

Noun

Another key metric providing insight into the demand environment is net new platformizations , which came in at about 220 in the quarter, representing a 44% year-over-year increase.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Starting in February 2027 the initial minimum bill demand will be 40 megawatts with a maximum contract demand of 50 megawatts.

— Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of demand

Verb

Even though Vaughn's initial plea was not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, and a mental status exam was ordered, no pretrial tests were done.

— Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
In a similar format to Family Feud, TopClubTen gives you ten top answers, ordered by amount, recency, value, and so on.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of order

Verb

Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority CEO Doug Kreulen said Parton’s life exemplified the values the airport seeks to nurture.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
Twenty-five years on and seeking revenge, Robbie infiltrates his gang from the bottom up in order to kill the man responsible, only to discover that the British underboss is grooming him to settle a debt no one was ever meant to survive.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of seek

Noun

Then walk through the inquiry, response, sales process, onboarding, delivery, billing and follow-up.

— Joe Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
The more generative thing was to think about wildly different experiences in terms of content, but ones that are aligned in terms of question and inquiry.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of inquiry

Verb

This luxe accent chair invites fall into your home with its rich velvet upholstery and warm cinnamon shade.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
The people attending the official screenings are invited to vote, and the film receiving the highest average score receives the Armani Beauty Audience Award.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of invite

Browse Nearby Words

reputes

request

requested

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Style

“Request.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/request. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of request

noun

verb

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