SOLICIT Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'solicit' distinct from other similar verbs?

The words ask and request are common synonyms of solicit . While all three words mean "to seek to obtain by making one's wants known," solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement. // a letter soliciting information

Q: When is 'ask' a more appropriate choice than 'solicit'?

The words ask and solicit can be used in similar contexts, but ask implies no more than the statement of the desire. // ask a favor of a friend

Q: Where would 'request' be a reasonable alternative to 'solicit'?

The words request and solicit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, request implies greater formality and courtesy. // requests the pleasure of your company

solicit

verb

sə-ˈli-sət

Definition of solicit

as in to survey

to go around and approach (people) with a request for opinions or information solicited several opinions about which job he should accept

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

report

as in to seek

to make a request for always ready to solicit donations for a charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to ask

to make a request of solicited him to join the team

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to beg

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner solicit the President for relief funds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to tempt

to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage how many men have been solicited into purchasing bogus aids for "male enhancement" by shameless appeals to their vanity?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word solicit distinct from other similar verbs?

The words ask and request are common synonyms of solicit. While all three words mean "to seek to obtain by making one's wants known," solicit suggests a calling attention to one's wants or desires by public announcement or advertisement.

a letter soliciting information

When is ask a more appropriate choice than solicit?

The words ask and solicit can be used in similar contexts, but ask implies no more than the statement of the desire.

ask a favor of a friend

Where would request be a reasonable alternative to solicit?

The words request and solicit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, request implies greater formality and courtesy.

requests the pleasure of your company

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 solicit Information copied or obtained from FEC reports about individual contributors cannot legally be sold or used to solicit political or charitable contributions or for commercial purposes. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 But his reputation was dealt a grievous blow by the Epstein files, which showed that Botstein corresponded closely with the late financier for years, including after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 The tribute album also features a contribution Brown solicited from the late Dolly Parton as well as appearances by Billy Strings, Rhiannon Giddens, Willie Nelson, Sierra Ferrell and many others. — Chris Willman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 In addition to the survey, board trustees also hosted a series of town hall meetings last week to solicit public feedback on single-member districts. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for solicit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for solicit

Verb

Only about 21% of residents surveyed for the health assessment said there were enough well-paying jobs locally.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Despite the potential for turbulence caused by the midterms, the financial advisers surveyed recommend staying the course.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of survey

Verb

SpaceX is seeking to raise an extra $40 billion in debt to help fund the campaign, but even fans on Wall Street question how SpaceX will raise the massive sums required.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
This legal challenge is not seeking to remove the measure from the ballot.

— Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of seek

Verb

The person asked a mutual contact to warn Rosman, according to three people familiar with that exchange.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Attendees asked engineers to provide preliminary cost estimates for street lighting running from the stadium connection north to Swepco Road.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ask

Verb

Video on social media showed distressed shopkeepers begging young men to stop stealing their inventory—and those young men pushing them aside to grab shoes and food from their shelves.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
So your group chat has been begging you to host the next big viewing night, and your bank account is giving you side-eye.

— Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of beg

Verb

Over the years Holt has interviewed political candidates on both sides of the aisle and is an experienced political debate moderator.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
The couple were sold, tapping Buck without interviewing anyone else.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of interview

Verb

With Election Day now less than two weeks away, more than 2 million absentee ballots have been requested across Michigan.

— Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Weiss-Wolf’s advice emphasizes understanding your options and advocating for better health care, while recognizing that disclosing symptoms or requesting an accommodation can carry risks.

— Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of request

Verb

Successful candidates will then be invited to spend a day at the bank’s offices where they are tested on banking regulation, their use of AI, and their ability to build calculations.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Her singing caught the attention of Abboud Saadi, the bassist for Lebanon’s most famous singer, Fairuz, who invited her to a recording session with Bypass Studio owner Ziad Rahbani.

— Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of invite

Browse Nearby Words

soles

solicit

solicitation

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Style

“Solicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solicit. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of solicit

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