1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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5
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 The backlash even solicited a response from the show's creator and executive producer, Chris Coelen. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025 The Department of Transportation has also been soliciting bids for alternatives. Michael Kan, PCMAG, 6 Mar. 2025 The latest: The Boston Herald reported Tuesday that public records show discussions between the team and Wu's administration started in September 2022, seven months before the city solicited proposals for what to do with White Stadium. Mike Deehan, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025 During the production, Lee asked Prieto to play a Mexican prostitute who solicits Jake Gyllenhaal’s character. Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solicit
Verb
  • The report showed that the average global gross player salary is $10,900, and across all leagues, only 22 percent of head coaches surveyed were women.
    Emily Olsen, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Companies Are Investing Millions In AI – Follow The Money 73% of companies surveyed are investing at least $1 million annually on generative AI technology.
    Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In February, Greenpeace International filed its own claim against Energy Transfer in a Dutch court using the European Union’s anti-SLAPP legislation, seeking to recover the damages and costs the organization has incurred as a result of the company’s lawsuits.
    Laura Paddison, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Talk with a healthcare provider about a plan to quit smoking and consider seeking guidance from a local or online support group. 12.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Johnson-Roberson says for all the incredible skills displayed by chatbots, the task they're asked to do is relatively simple — look at what a human user types and then try to predict the next words that user wants to see.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The photographer asked me to act sad and depressed, to stop smiling.
    Gaylyn Henderson, MPH, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The caller also begs the grandparent not to tell mom and dad.
    Steve Weisman, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But The Electric State begs for playfulness, dynamism, some sense of dash and charm.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This often tempts developers to prototype in Python before implementing production-grade Rust solutions. 5.
    Amandeep Midha, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Just be sure they're not too tempted to eat only gummy worms for breakfast!
    Kimberly Stoney, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In prison, McTiernan interviewed many of his fellow inmates to gather their stories and testimonies.
    Maelle Beauget-Uhl, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Hurley and his wife, Andrea, were each interviewed.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Several school board members requested Thursday that outside experts opine on Chicago Public Schools’ budget woes.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Myles Garret requested a trade, but shockingly turned around and signed a huge extension not long after.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Every conductor is, in effect, a guest of the manor invited by the musicians.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
  • You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society . . .
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solicit. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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