pray

verb

\ˈprā

\

prayed; praying; prays

Definition of pray

transitive verb

1 : entreat, implore —often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea pray be careful

2 : to get or bring by praying

intransitive verb

1 : to make a request in a humble manner

2 : to address God or a god with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about pray

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Examples of pray in a Sentence

There's little else to do now but hope and pray. The minister said, “Let us pray.” He prayed that they would have the strength to go on. He prayed that he would find a parking spot.

Recent Examples on the Web

The high cost has left smaller farmers praying for rain. — Rob Taylor, WSJ, "Drought Tests Australia’s Model Water Market," 8 Nov. 2018 Inside Temple De Hirsch Sinai, local Jewish leaders sang, prayed for the dead and lit candles in their honor before the large gathering Monday. — Paige Cornwell, The Seattle Times, "‘We will arise’: Thousands gather in Seattle for vigil mourning Pittsburgh synagogue massacre," 31 Oct. 2018 There was a common practice at my school that involved praying for our future husbands. — Liana Schaffner, Teen Vogue, "The Boys at Brett Kavanaugh's School Called the Girls at Mine the "Whores on the Hill" and I Believed Them," 27 Sep. 2018 Vanessa Stanley, the Hubbards’ neighbor, told Channel 2 Action News that most of the neighborhood came out Tuesday to pay their respects and pray for a resolution in the case. — Chelsea Prince, ajc, "Neighbors honor couple found strangled in burned Atlanta home," 12 July 2018 More than a week after the accident, Arrington shared a photo of herself in the hospital along with a message of thanks to those who have prayed for her recovery. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Fox News, "Who is Katie Arrington? 3 things to know about the South Carolina congressional candidate," 6 July 2018 Up a hill from there is the cozy white mosque where Ali prayed five times daily. — Frank Fitzpatrick, Philly.com, "Muhammad Ali's secluded Pa. camp and the fight to save it, led by John Madden's son," 3 July 2018 Please join me in praying for the injured and their families. — Ruth Brown, Nicole Blanchard And Jason Lantz, idahostatesman, "Stabbing suspect attacked victims during a 3-year-old's birthday party to 'exact vengeance'," 1 July 2018 Turn the other cheek, love one’s enemies and pray for those who persecute you, even unto death. — Marilyn Yalom, WSJ, "‘Evolution of Desire’ Review: Who Was René Girard?," 1 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pray.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.