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 But visual clutter isn’t always about having too much stuff; sometimes there are too many things begging to be the center of attention, and some reorganizing is in order. Amanda Sims, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026 An operator answers a call from a hysterical woman begging for help. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026 The Art Nouveau furniture, the 18th-century Worcester porcelain, and the photography collection (with daguerreotypes, Civil War albumen prints, 20th-century images, and portraits) all beg for your attention. Carolanne Griffith Roberts, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026 Canada and New England fall foliage sailings and sunny South Pacific routes are other itineraries that practically beg for a balcony stateroom. Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • After serving their prison sentences, SVPs undergo treatment at state hospitals but may also petition courts to continue treatment in outpatient locations.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • California’s Proposition 47 reduced certain drug convictions from felonies to misdemeanors and allowed inmates and formerly incarcerated people to petition the court for resentencing.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • When asked if Tebow wanted to discuss Sunday’s experience, a member of his PR team said the 39-year-old native of the Jacksonville area native could not fit the request into his schedule.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The sheriff’s office later declined to say why that determination was made, when the remains were found or who found them when asked by CNN.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Silvia looks calm, his eyes open and head propped up slightly as Hood prayed furiously over him.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • During those visits, Hussien and Sam would close the living-room doors and pray.
    Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In his final plea to the jury, Barrett implored them to consider the injuries suffered by the survivors, some with wounds in their arms and legs and one who survived a gunshot to the head, indicate Edgar didn’t intend to kill them.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities implored all of them to leave and be prepared to stay away for several days, because shifting and strengthening winds were expected to make the fire even more unpredictable.
    John Raby, Christian Science Monitor, 23 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on beg

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster