Synonyms of entreat

entreat

verb

in-ˈtrēt 

as in to beg

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner

she began her letter by entreating me to forgive the belatedness of her reply

Synonyms & Similar Words

• beg
• petition
• beseech
• implore
• ask
• pray
• supplicate
• importune
• conjure
• appeal (to)
• plead (to)
• besiege
• call on
• require
• solicit
• invoke
• impetrate
• request
• compel
• desire
• insist
• coerce
• force
• cadge
• bludge
• demand
• claim
• sponge
• mooch
• command

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suggest
• imply
• please
• hint
• satisfy
• appease
• gratify
• oblige
• placate
• intimate
• conciliate
• pacify
• comfort
• mollify
• content
• quiet
• console

Synonym Chooser

How is the word entreat distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of entreat are adjure, beg, beseech, implore, importune, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When could adjure be used to replace entreat?

The words adjure and entreat can be used in similar contexts, but adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

When is beg a more appropriate choice than entreat?

Although the words beg and entreat have much in common, beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

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

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

I beseech you to have mercy

implored her not to leave him

Where would importune be a reasonable alternative to entreat?

While the synonyms importune and entreat are close in meaning, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

In what contexts can supplicate take the place of entreat?

The synonyms supplicate and entreat are sometimes interchangeable, but supplicate suggests a posture of humility.

with bowed heads they supplicated their Lord

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of entreat

Felder entreats us to reject both optimism and cynicism. —Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

Maduro became president of Venezuela in 2013, after his predecessor, Hugo Chávez, entreated his supporters to vote Maduro into office after his death. —Essence, 6 Jan. 2026

Baldwin makes clear that both Hella and David are aware of this loss of affection—that Hella still loves David and entreats him to talk to her and to be honest about the feelings that have come between them. —Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

In the aftermath of tragedy, Sam is entreated by his friend Fragile (Lea Seydoux) to reconnect with Australia. —Richard Newby, Time, 6 Dec. 2025