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

Keep scrolling for more

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

At the last minute, the Vatican added in a visit to the Ghetto, where Francis will pray quietly on the day when the names of Holocaust victims are read out at commemorations across the country. — Nicole Winfield And Maria Grazia Murru, Fox News, "Pope begins Baltics pilgrimage as Russia threat looms large," 22 Sep. 2018 Bishops from Mexico and California also prayed together on either side of the border last month, the Times of San Diego reported. — Daniel Blue Tyx, Washington Post, "U.S. Catholic bishops to minister to children in border detention centers," 2 July 2018 According to the station, Perry had gotten into a fight with her new husband and had come to the church at night to pray. — Crimesider Staff, CBS News, "Cold case church murder suspect kills self as police serve warrant," 29 June 2018 There is a mosque near Kharabat where the musicians often go to pray. — Maija Liuhto, Longreads, "A Music So Beautiful the Birds Fell from the Trees," 28 June 2018 Theoharis, armed with an American flag and a megaphone, led a small group onto the plaza to pray, in violation of federal laws against assembling there. — Annysa Johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin upbringing inspired Rev. Liz Theoharis' walk with the poor," 22 June 2018 About 2,000 faithful gathered in the border area to pray on Eid al-Fitr, which comes at the end of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, before the numbers dwindled as people headed home to their families for traditional gatherings. — Hanah Salah, latimes.com, "Worshipers and protesters gather near Gaza Strip-Israel border to mark Eid al-Fitr holiday," 15 June 2018 And as the final seconds ticked down during Game 5, Ovechkin prayed on the bench, unable to look any longer. — Alex Prewitt, SI.com, "The Great Wait Is Finally Over: After 13 Seasons, Alex Ovechkin Is a Stanley Cup Champion," 11 June 2018 The White House dispatched Vice President Mike Pence to pray with the victims in Sutherland Springs. — Kevin Diaz, Houston Chronicle, "Trump to meet with Santa Fe victims on Texas fundraising swing," 30 May 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.