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 Colum implores Ellen to marry and be the eyes and ears of Castle Grant. Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025 At different points, Moyes and McKinlay were both at the edge of their technical area, imploring their players to push up and press Leeds. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 The counties have implored state leaders to provide them money up front rather than reimburse them after the election. Calmatters, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025 Men who implored the country to unite. Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for implore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implore
Verb
  • Each room and common area feels like a treasure box; there’s hardly an inch of space that doesn’t beg you to stop, snap a photo, and admire the artistic composition.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Academy is forcing me to beg political people to screen and select my film.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 2021, at the height of the pandemic, Kennedy petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to revoke authorization of COVID-19 vaccines and refrain from approving any future COVID-19 vaccines.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In 2016, the Mans petitioned to become Natalia’s legal guardians; however, a hearing was required to determine whether Natalia was a minor or a legal adult.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on implore

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