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 Harris spares audiences the bloody image, but the sound of the boy’s imploring shrieks is nevertheless haunting. Lovia Gyarkye, IndieWire, 16 May 2026 Some council members implored city staff to find funding for a program called summer at City Hall. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026 This was also spurred by Joel Embiid imploring fans not to sell their tickets to hopefully maintain a home-court advantage. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026 Environmental groups wrote a letter imploring EPA leaders and then-EPD Director Carol Couch to regulate PFAS more aggressively. Dylan Jackson, ABC News, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for implore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implore
Verb
  • What made Grande stick out back then was a limber voice that begged to be dressed in sounds that swing.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • In a story this complicated, where everyone from a little girl to a grown man from Boston is begging for their humanity, even Howard Stevens deserves some, too.
    Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Paramount has petitioned the FCC to sign off on the foreign investment, as any foreign ownership stake above 25% requires agency approval.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 June 2026
  • In 2024, Roan petitioned to change his surname to honor both his parents.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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