implore

Definition of implorenext

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

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 implore Herrera stayed at third base (despite Cardinals coach Ron Warner imploring Herrera to run) and Witt’s play saved a run. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026 Harris spares audiences the bloody image, but the sound of the boy’s imploring shrieks is nevertheless haunting. Lovia Gyarkye, IndieWire, 16 May 2026 Some council members implored city staff to find funding for a program called summer at City Hall. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026 This was also spurred by Joel Embiid imploring fans not to sell their tickets to hopefully maintain a home-court advantage. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for implore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implore
Verb
  • Setting the factory ablaze and escaping, Naim pauses for a minute when the Ryan-like monster appears at a window, begging to be released and claiming to be the human-being.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026
  • The role required a physical and comedic register she had not previously been asked to sustain at this scale, which begs the question of whether playing someone this chaotic is sustainable for someone who describes herself, without hesitation, as directly opposite.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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