implore

Synonym Chooser

How is the word implore distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of implore are adjure, beg, beseech, entreat, importune, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

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

When might adjure be a better fit than implore?

While in some cases nearly identical to implore, adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

When is it sensible to use beg instead of implore?

The synonyms beg and implore are sometimes interchangeable, but beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

In what contexts can entreat take the place of implore?

In some situations, the words entreat and implore are roughly equivalent. However, entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When would importune be a good substitute for implore?

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

importuning viewers for contributions

When is supplicate a more appropriate choice than implore?

The words supplicate and implore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 implore Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi also wrote a letter to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, imploring him to start looking for a buyer. Emily Baker-White, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 On Friday, several abuse victims stared directly at Bishop Michael C. Barber — sitting mere feet away — while imploring the diocese to do right by the hundreds of victims suing the church. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024 Lyons implored the people in the bar to call the police. Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 The findings sparked a firestorm of media coverage imploring people to immediately throw away any black plastic utensils in their kitchens. Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for implore 

Thesaurus Entries Near implore

Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on implore

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!