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 Several kids are then seen banging on a door, begging to get out. Dory Jackson, People.com, 20 May 2025 Papa Joe’s Waterfront — a recent reincarnation of its original 1938 location — flaunts a stunning waterfront perch that also begs a sunset celebration. Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025 While Kardashian was begging for her life, the men rummaged through her belongings and stole roughly millions of dollars worth of jewelry from her. Caroline Blair, People.com, 13 May 2025 This begs the question: Why is the city of San Diego proposing a monthly fee of $47.59? U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • Other residents have petitioned against the ordinance because of the financial implications of not being able to rent their properties.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 21 May 2025
  • More than 50 asset managers have petitioned the SEC for exemptive relief in order to offer an ETF share class of an existing mutual fund.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • That’s the question writer-director Ari Aster’s somber comedy-Western Eddington, playing in competition here at the Cannes Film Festival, appears to be asking.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 May 2025
  • Here's why Cassie said Combs threatened to 'blow up' Kid Cudi's car During cross-examination, Ventura Fine was asked about her relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Throughout their testimonies on Friday, there were common themes: The abuse was so traumatizing that those who are married haven’t shared what happened with their wives and pray their children will never learn the truth.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 May 2025
  • The pastors intend to pray for just under ten minutes, the same amount of time that Floyd struggled to breathe as Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck.
    Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Pattinson looked at Lawrence wide-eyed, as if imploring her to answer first.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 18 May 2025
  • During Wednesday night’s closing act, Butler confidant Dwyane Wade was seen on a live stream imploring more.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • That was most visible in 2008, when he was beseeched by corporate executives and the George W. Bush administration to help the global financial system from melting down.
    Michael J. de la Merced, New York Times, 4 May 2025
  • For weeks, Judge Schimel and his allies have beseeched Mr. Trump to get involved in the race.
    Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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