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

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 Things deteriorated as Morris loudly implored Talib to go to his room. Michael Silver, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 Now furloughed, Norton continues to implore members of Congress to reject a spending deal that maintains the status quo. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 7 Oct. 2025 In 1934, Lysanne (played by Alexandria Brouwer) is living in Paris and writes to her friend Marlène (played by Stephen), who’s studying at Wellesley, imploring her to transfer to a university in Paris. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2025 But since then, he’s been implored by teammates and coaches to be more assertive and aggressive offensively. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for implore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implore
Verb
  • All of which begs the question, can—and should—Europe use the once-in-a-generation opportunity presented by decarbonization to reboot its own renewables supply chain, creating green jobs and sustainable wealth for the future?
    Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Ever since Long and Tate starred in Theodore Witcher’s debut, Love Jones, fans of the cult classic have been begging for a sequel.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Through an extensive effort from McReynolds, who traveled to the nation’s capital to petition legislators, as well as endorsements from a Congress member, two senators and Camp Pendleton’s Brig.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In 1977, consumer groups petitioned federal regulators to ban the marketing of sugary foods to children, but industry lobbying halted those efforts.
    Alice Callahan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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