Synonym Chooser

How is the word beg distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of beg are adjure, beseech, entreat, implore, importune, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

Where would adjure be a reasonable alternative to beg?

Although the words adjure and beg have much in common, adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

How are the words beseech and implore related as synonyms of beg?

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

I beseech you to have mercy
implored her not to leave him

In what contexts can entreat take the place of beg?

The synonyms entreat and beg are sometimes interchangeable, but entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When is it sensible to use importune instead of beg?

In some situations, the words importune and beg are roughly equivalent. However, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

When might supplicate be a better fit than beg?

While the synonyms supplicate and beg are close in meaning, supplicate suggests a posture of humility.

with bowed heads they supplicated their Lord

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 beg Set of 4 6-Ounce Ramekins This four-piece stoneware ramekin set is just begging to be added to your fall tablescape—and don’t forget about it when Thanksgiving rolls around either. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025 When women begged Pratt or his employees to remove the content, they were ignored and many were blocked, according to the sentencing memo. Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Your sleep paralysis demon is begging you to read Herculine. Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 When Maeve goes in after their fight, Robbie’s daughter begs her not to leave. Grace Byron, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • In 2021, at the height of the pandemic, Kennedy petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to revoke authorization of COVID-19 vaccines and refrain from approving any future COVID-19 vaccines.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In 2016, the Mans petitioned to become Natalia’s legal guardians; however, a hearing was required to determine whether Natalia was a minor or a legal adult.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ahead of Kirk's visit to Utah Valley University, some students started an online petition asking university administrators to stop him from coming.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • When asked by a reporter for more details about how Trump planned to ban mail-in ballots, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the administration planned to work with Republicans on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In a ceremony broadcast live on Facebook, hundreds of Catholics can be seen singing, praying and honoring the shrine by laying yellow sunflowers as offerings.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Trump calls on Americans to pray for nation as 250th birthday approaches.
    , FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • National outlets raved about his production and fans implored the Royals to bring him up.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Many implored the council to use civil disobedience to fight back.
    Rachel Royster September 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • McKellen beseeched the audience at the Princess of Wales Theatre.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The director, who wore mismatched socks onstage, beseeched his audience to ask him anything.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 18 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on beg

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