Meaning & use

petition

noun·Academic

A formal written request, often signed by many people, asking an authority to take action.

See it in a sentence

Thousands of residents signed the petition asking the city to build a new park.

The lawyer filed a petition with the court to have the case reviewed.

A note on using this word

As a verb, 'to petition' means to formally request something, often from a government or court, rather than to simply ask casually.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To make a formal, often written, request or appeal to an authority for a specific action.

Local business owners petitioned the council to lower the new parking fees.

Make it your own

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