Synonyms of entreat

entreat

verb

in-ˈtrēt 

as in to beg

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner

she began her letter by entreating me to forgive the belatedness of her reply

Synonyms & Similar Words

• beg
• petition
• beseech
• implore
• ask
• pray
• supplicate
• importune
• conjure
• call upon
• appeal (to)
• plead (to)
• besiege
• require
• call on
• solicit
• invoke
• impetrate
• compel
• request
• sue
• desire
• insist
• coerce
• force
• cadge
• bludge
• demand
• claim
• sponge
• mooch
• command

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suggest
• imply
• please
• hint
• satisfy
• appease
• gratify
• oblige
• placate
• intimate
• conciliate
• pacify
• comfort
• mollify
• content
• quiet
• console

Synonym Chooser

How is the word entreat distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of entreat are adjure, beg, beseech, implore, importune, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When could adjure be used to replace entreat?

The words adjure and entreat can be used in similar contexts, but adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

When is beg a more appropriate choice than entreat?

Although the words beg and entreat have much in common, beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

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

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

I beseech you to have mercy

implored her not to leave him

Where would importune be a reasonable alternative to entreat?

While the synonyms importune and entreat are close in meaning, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

In what contexts can supplicate take the place of entreat?

The synonyms supplicate and entreat are sometimes interchangeable, but supplicate suggests a posture of humility.

with bowed heads they supplicated their Lord

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of entreat

Yet both Hindenburg and the sitting Chancellor, Franz von Papen, had been firm never-Hitler men, and naïvely entreated Hitler to recognize his own unsuitability for the role. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024

In his speech, Biden to his credit did entreat Republicans to set aside differences and pass essential legislation on a variety of issues. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024

Within the scene, a standing figure entreats a seated woman, who is Black and wears a dress and head wrap. —Kriston Capps, Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2023

After receiving a troubling diagnosis and failing to navigate his company’s byzantine insurance plans, Winston entreats his mega-rich boss for help, only to be cruelly rebuffed. —Michael Nordine, Variety, 21 Sep. 2023