Definition of begnext

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 Dreesen moved to Los Angeles, living on $1 a day and hitchhiking to The Comedy Store, begging for a set and bonding with other impoverished comedians. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026 On the front passenger door, the mother of the groom is begging for people to send her money and congratulations on her son getting married. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026 Their middle infield might have to fix itself — Bryson Stott, at least, has been better lately — but their outfield is begging for reinforcements, and third base has been shaky for a while now. Chad Jennings, New York Times, 17 June 2026 While some research has found that hazing bears with chase dogs doesn’t ultimately result in permanent conflict mitigation, many handlers would beg to differ, and some research specifically on hazing with the Karelian breed suggests otherwise. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • North Dakota State petitioned the NCAA and a determination had yet to be made as of the date of this post.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • Brendon's brother previously petitioned to be named the representative for the late actor's estate.
    Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Vance, asked by a reporter about the criticism from the Israeli government, singled out Israeli Cabinet officials who have attacked the deal, saying Netanyahu has not shared the same opposition in the vice president's conversations with him.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • The 20-year-old inmate would ask her to pass the phone around to different members of the family.
    Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • You’re supposed to meditate and pray.
    Michael Hollett, SPIN, 14 June 2026
  • Please also pray for our brave first responders who put themselves in harm's way to keep the Midland community safe.
    Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • DeVaux implores Golden Tempo’s jockey, Jose Ortiz, who obviously can’t hear her from the Churchill Downs stands, as the horse makes his move.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026
  • Martin could be removed as DNC chairman through a vote of no confidence, which would take two-thirds of the DNC membership base to pass, or by senior Democrats, such as House and Senate leadership, imploring him to step down.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • The play is set in a lecture hall in 1890, as Theo (played by Pasternak) recounts his memories of Vincent and beseeches the audience — and the world — to understand his brother.
    Steve Palopoli, Mercury News, 2 May 2026
  • Some Cypress Village residents are beseeching the city to keep it that way, even as the HOA applies to let the pickle balling resume.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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