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 Jurors heard a harrowing voicemail left by Johnson begging one of her friends for help as Williams butchered her, stabbing her five times in the chest and four times in her back. John Annese, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026 The warm waffle can be filled with matcha, strawberry soft serve or a swirl of both, then dressed up Pocky sticks for a dessert that practically begs for a photo before the first bite. Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2026 That's because when the stakes are high, and the actors begin to cry, the serious tone begs to be subverted by a humorous caption. Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 The Oni Refuge has a winding layout with an environment that beg to be explored. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • Brian Hickerson petitioned the court to reduce his felony domestic violence convictions to misdemeanors and to expunge the case from his record.
    Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Her attorney petitioned the Sixth District Court of Appeal to stop Downs’ investigation, arguing the state had authority over the ethics matter.
    Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Appearing on Fox News on Thursday, Vance was asked how the conflict could ultimately end.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Women considering enlistment are generally more likely to ask practical questions about pregnancy policies, hygiene and whether barracks were coed, recruiters and women currently serving explained.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Silvia looks calm, his eyes open and head propped up slightly as Hood prayed furiously over him.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • During those visits, Hussien and Sam would close the living-room doors and pray.
    Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Security soon arrives on the scene as someone implores them to take one of the men to jail.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin defended his organization’s fundraising record despite a massive Republican advantage and implored allies to help raise more funds in the final few months before the November midterm elections.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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