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 Finally, the surgeon asked, imploring the mother to be honest. Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026 The fracas has even revived the anti-military sentiment at Google, where a tiny fraction of its employees wrote a letter to the company imploring it to make a similar stand. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Feb. 2026 But those who spoke implored the commissioners to temporarily pause going forward with data centers because of concerns over noise, pollution traffic and concerns about what the data centers would do to their quality of life. Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 2026 Anata, an international model with a top agency, also apparently knew Epstein well enough to implore him to avoid any less-than-professional dealings. Chris Quintana, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for implore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implore
Verb
  • The main street that intercepts the end of my block is tree-lined and buzzing, with generous sidewalks, gleaming (and respected) crosswalks, and wide windowscapes just begging to be strolled and observed.
    Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson surely is looking from afar with envy, having begged Springfield for three years with no success to pass such taxes.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Black Mountain has successfully petitioned the city of Fort Worth to rezone more than 430 acres of land for its AI data center, with another roughly 80 acres’ worth of land headed to Zoning Commission and the City Council later this year after council members pumped the brakes.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Twenty-two European ministers are petitioning the organizers of the Venice Biennale to disinvite Russia from the prestigious event’s upcoming sixty-first edition, to open March 9.
    News Desk, Artforum, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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