BEG Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

beg

verb

ˈbeg

Definition of beg next

as in to petition

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner she begged her husband to give up extreme skiing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 To survive, many of the children beg on the streets, scavenge through trash, or engage in petty crimes. —

Shefali Rafiq, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2024 Parents and teachers have come to recent board meetings begging the administration to reconsider. —

Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 9 Dec. 2024 In theory, the role of Sydney Prosser, the stripper turned swindler in David O. Russell’s sinuous crime comedy, begs for a big performance. —

Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024 The spring dates will come as a relief to many Dead fans, who flocked repeatedly to the group’s 2024 shows in Las Vegas in sweltering summer weather, and could be found in forums ever since begging the band to come back and set up shop again in 2025, but in a cooler season. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for beg

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg

Verb

In 2023, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the opponents, halting the project, but proponents petitioned the Supreme Court to review that decision.

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Most of that lawsuit was thrown out after Wood petitioned for an anti-SLAPP exemption, a legal maneuver used to strike down frivolous and expensive lawsuits that can silence critics, and Manson was ordered to pay $327,000 in attorney fees.

Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024