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 When Sita begs Rama to follow a demon disguised as a beautiful golden deer, Rama draws a magical protective circle around the princess and instructs her to stay within the circle’s borders. — Sohini Sarah Pillai, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 Mahajan's family has appeared at City Hall, in person and through videoconference calls from India, begging the city to finally end the rides. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 At just $12, the Amazon Essentials Short-sleeve Maxi Dress is practically begging to be paired with a cardigan for the flight and worn solo after landing. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2026 Therein, a young woman sits on her dead lover’s grave for a year, begging to see him again. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • Graham had spent over a year petitioning for the move before his death on July 11.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Desirée did not opt to petition for the return of the Cranach, not wishing to run an art dealership, but did successfully pursue restitution for other property.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The defendants have asked Judge Amanda Brailsford to dismiss the lawsuit.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Those of us committed to public education should be asking whether public school families know these resources may be available to them.
    — Raymond C. Pierce, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Under Ben-Gvir, Israeli police have increasingly allowed Jews to pray at the site, a deliberate provocation to the Arab world, drawing condemnation from Palestinian and Jordanian authorities.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Keith Castello spends a lot of time praying about available real estate.
    — Tiffany Stanley, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • That’s why Sieler also implored the rookies to not totally check out.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Perhaps most importantly, Sweeney implored people to understand that painting is a matter of communication.
    — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In The Ginger Man, Dangerfield repeatedly beseeches Blessed Oliver to get him out of jams.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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