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 Some are corrupt cops and teen bullies whose maliciousness could be a little more fleshed out; others are children or general innocents, begging questions about who gets chosen as prey the show doesn’t care much to answer. Alison Herman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025 In an Episode 7 flashback, Cass (Jessica Rothe), a senior ER nurse, finds the pair kissing, and Simms begs her not to tell anyone. Barry Levitt, Time, 3 Apr. 2025 But isn’t that what fans have been begging them to do for the last several years? Crochet may be the first extension of the year, but the Red Sox are almost certainly going to keep going. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 In episode seven, Timothy is confronted by Saxon, who can tell something is going on and is begging for an explanation. Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • How Did Natalia Grace Meet The Mans Family? Natalia’s birth records initially stated she was born in 2003, but two years after adopting her, the Barnetts petitioned a Marion County court to amend her Ukrainian documents, changing her birth year to 1989 and her age to 22.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Earlier this month, Skadden attorneys petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari on behalf of the NBA in a case involving the federal Video Privacy Protection Act.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Her mom has successfully kept her isolated from her grandfather even though Hazel has asked a lot about him and shown interest in getting to know him.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This included when one circuit asked fans of Minions: The Rise of Gru to stop throwing bananas (talk about a slippery slope!).
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Later on, Frank is seen peacefully praying after his bender.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In the now-viral video of the incident, Perry can be seen driving a Tesla Cybertruck and pulling up to the women — who had been praying in an empty parking spot before heading out to celebrate the end of Ramadan, per Atlanta First News.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While sleep is undeniably crucial, sleep therapists implore us to remember that simply resting — whether through meditation, deep breathing or even just lying down with your eyes closed — can still provide significant benefits.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The saga has led to many A’s fans imploring Fisher to sell the team.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Travelers took to social media to complain about the disruption and beseech the airlines for help.
    Emma Bubola, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Eyes abound, actually, staring out from the stars and stripes as if beseeching its audience to bear witness to this unprecedented union.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019

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Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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