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 Stagg, though, begs to differ from the American's assessment. ABC News, 27 May 2026 As Karen Spencer begged for the attack to stop, her head was slammed against a concrete wall and Dusty Spencer threatened the teenager with a knife. Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 27 May 2026 Her patients often panic and beg for help, but none have had the resources to travel to another state for care. Kavitha Surana, ProPublica, 26 May 2026 As Karen Spencer begged for the attack to stop, her head was slammed against a concrete wall and Dusty Spencer threatened the teenager with a knife. Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • Paramount has petitioned the FCC to sign off on the foreign investment, as any foreign ownership stake above 25% requires agency approval.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 June 2026
  • In 2024, Roan petitioned to change his surname to honor both his parents.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Arrest comes 40 years later Once they were done eating and interviewing Nash, the team asked him to go outside and look at some photos.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 5 June 2026
  • The police are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Robbery-Homicide Division, Valley Section, Dets.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • So on the last week of prom one recent Saturday morning, the pair were praying for a good day.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026
  • Someone needs to pray with the children.
    Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Martin could be removed as DNC chairman through a vote of no confidence, which would take two-thirds of the DNC membership base to pass, or by senior Democrats, such as House and Senate leadership, imploring him to step down.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
  • Private citizens imploring a studio to forgo releasing a film could not be censors, because definitionally only the government is capable of censorship.
    Isaac Butler, New Yorker, 30 May 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 10 Jun. 2026.

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