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 The administration wasted little time in appealing the appeals court’s decision, imploring the Supreme Court to hear the case quickly and deliver a final ruling. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025 Despite Reigns imploring them to stay out of the Australian Street Fight, the iconic tag team would come into the ring to offer some support. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025 Minnesota implored Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels to devour Jamal Murray in 2024. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2025 Things deteriorated as Morris loudly implored Talib to go to his room. Michael Silver, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for implore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implore
Verb
  • Comments begged Kennedy to explain what caused her relationship to end.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
  • That begs the question of whether the Rockets need to upgrade at point guard, given their championship expectations.
    Ricardo Sandoval, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Judges also review arbitration awards with a high degree of deference, meaning the side that loses the arbitration is often disincentivized to petition a judge to vacate the award.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The discovery showcases the diversity of life that exists in a place experiencing rapid climate change — which is why scientists are petitioning for the Weddell Sea’s fragile ecosystem to be protected by law.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on implore

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