Definition of implorenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word implore distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of implore are adjure, beg, beseech, entreat, importune, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

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

When might adjure be a better fit than implore?

While in some cases nearly identical to implore, adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

When is it sensible to use beg instead of implore?

The synonyms beg and implore are sometimes interchangeable, but beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

In what contexts can entreat take the place of implore?

In some situations, the words entreat and implore are roughly equivalent. However, entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When would importune be a good substitute for implore?

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

importuning viewers for contributions

When is supplicate a more appropriate choice than implore?

The words supplicate and implore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 implore The attorneys for Kirk’s family and representatives of the news media implored the judge to make Twiggs’ statements and other evidence in the case public. Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 9 July 2026 During its last review in 2023, more than 100 comments poured in, many imploring the agency to increase the benefit. Spencer Norris, ProPublica, 9 July 2026 There’s no celebratory music pumping through the speakers after a touchdown imploring anyone to, well, fight for their right to party. Sam McDowell July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026 Then a casual dig through an estate sale bin morphs into obsession, resulting in making bids at auctions, combing through the recesses of eBay or imploring friends in politics to snag you a piece. A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for implore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implore
Verb
  • The hardest part, however, is to ignore the part that’s right in front of your face, begging you to pay attention to it at the expense of everything else.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Most resort to begging, performing on the streets, doing manual labor for low pay, scavenging for scraps, or selling drugs.
    Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Attorney Raed Gonzalez petitioned the court for the release of Pliego and another witness who was riding in the vehicle, Daniel Tirado Pantoja.
    Armando Garcia, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • However, if someone petitions the court, a judge could order the HOA into a receivership.
    Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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