Definition of begnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word beg distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of beg are adjure, beseech, entreat, implore, importune, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

Where would adjure be a reasonable alternative to beg?

Although the words adjure and beg have much in common, adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

How are the words beseech and implore related as synonyms of beg?

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

I beseech you to have mercy
implored her not to leave him

In what contexts can entreat take the place of beg?

The synonyms entreat and beg are sometimes interchangeable, but entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When is it sensible to use importune instead of beg?

In some situations, the words importune and beg are roughly equivalent. However, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

When might supplicate be a better fit than beg?

While the synonyms supplicate and beg are close in meaning, 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 beg In 2020, it was set to be bulldozed, until Mowery begged to give her three months. Lee Cowan, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026 This flirty Damson Madder handkerchief skirt that’s begging to be styled with a ribbed tank and kitten heels. Jordan Julian, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026 Still, Harbaugh was encouraged that at the end of Thursday’s marathon practice, his players actually begged him for one extra play in the red zone. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026 Although carveouts for vehicular manslaughter became the law in California more than half a century ago, Lyman and her family were stunned by it, and would beg the court for just a 30-day sentence. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • Several days later, her parents petitioned the judge, requesting that she not be tested for brain death as advised by doctors.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Authored by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, AB 2384 would allow people convicted of eligible offenses to petition a court to have their records sealed.
    Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Appearing on Fox News on Thursday, Vance was asked how the conflict could ultimately end.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Women considering enlistment are generally more likely to ask practical questions about pregnancy policies, hygiene and whether barracks were coed, recruiters and women currently serving explained.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Not long afterward, witnesses heard groans and heavy breathing as the spiritual adviser put her hands on his shoulders and prayed over him.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Many are headed to pray at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To sleuth out who the culprits are, Murashige lends on the extra-sharp deductive skills of Kanbei, who implored for death rather than imprisonment.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The 6-1 vote was met by celebration inside the packed council chambers after dozens spoke out, imploring the council to move forward with the lawsuit.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The play is set in a lecture hall in 1890, as Theo (played by Pasternak) recounts his memories of Vincent and beseeches the audience — and the world — to understand his brother.
    Steve Palopoli, Mercury News, 2 May 2026
  • Some Cypress Village residents are beseeching the city to keep it that way, even as the HOA applies to let the pickle balling resume.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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