implore

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 Scientists motivated by a desire to protect the rights and well-being of nonhuman animals must also understand how those rights implore us to slow down and approach this work with the values of care and caution, prioritizing the welfare of animals over the thrill of discovery. David Gruber, Time, 24 Apr. 2025 The premiere of The Valley season 2 picked up nine months after Taylor and estranged wife Brittany Cartwright separated and saw Schwartz implore his former Vanderpump Rules costar to seek professional help following a violent outburst targeted at Cartwright, 36. Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025 When Tonali smothered Bruno Fernandes deep in the opposition half, Tindall applauded and then implored him to do more of the same with rolling hand gestures. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Faced with the raging wars of recent years, with their inhuman horrors and countless deaths and destruction, Pope Francis incessantly raised his voice imploring peace and calling for reason and honest negotiation to find possible solutions. Abc News, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for implore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implore
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • The League of Women Voters of California last week petitioned the court to intervene in opposition.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In 1910, the Lonoke Retail Merchants and Businessmen Association petitioned railroad executives to construct a new larger depot.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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