implore

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 There’s nothing wrong with letting the coordinators handle their sides of the ball, but there were times when Harbaugh should have been more involved on game days in making adjustments, imploring the coordinators to stick to the game plans and not overreact to shifts in the game. Dan Duggan, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026 The Big Sky schedule includes Hornets setbacks to Idaho State (97-84), Weber State (95-82) and Portland State (96-69), with Bibby imploring movement on offense and more stops on defense. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 Jan. 2026 Former George defensive lineman David Pollack, an ex-ESPN analyst and current podcaster, on Friday implored the NCAA to overturn the call. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026 McDaniel had been a regular presence at Heat games at Kaseya Center during his Dolphins tenure, often from a front-row seat imploring fans to cheer on Spoelstra’s team. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for implore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implore
Verb
  • In a new Shouts & Murmurs, Patricia Marx begs Pete Hegseth to invade and liberate her son’s messy apartment.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Beyond that, the natural beauty is spectacular and begs visitors to get outside and enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Back in June 2025, Baldoni’s team withdrew their bid to subpoena Swift, and instead successfully petitioned for access to said text exchanges.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The Barnetts successfully petitioned a Marion County court to change Grace's birth year from 2003 to 1989, effectively making her legally 22 years old.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on implore

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