importune 1 of 2

importune

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word importune distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of importune are adjure, beg, beseech, entreat, implore, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

When would adjure be a good substitute for importune?

Although the words adjure and importune have much in common, adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

When could beg be used to replace importune?

The words beg and importune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

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

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

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

When is entreat a more appropriate choice than importune?

While the synonyms entreat and importune are close in meaning, entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When can supplicate be used instead of importune?

In some situations, the words supplicate and importune are roughly equivalent. However, 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 importune
Verb
The Blazers did not turn the ball over but importune mistakes resulted in the Owls taking an early lead and eventually surging ahead in the second half. Evan Dudley, al, 2 Nov. 2022
Adjective
Miss Manners understands that people who have trouble saying no might be sorry to disappoint those who importune them. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 15 July 2025 Four years later the line was importuned for Robinson Cano. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2024 In 1982, she was importuned to join the board of Bronx River Restoration and readily accepted. Sam Roberts, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 For one thing, Acts 156 and 157 alleged in the complaint pick out actions Trump took on September 17, 2021, still importuning Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to decertify the election. Aziz Huq, Time, 21 Aug. 2023 Said brother was importuned only occasionally, a distant wingman to these sorties. Wyatt Mason, Harper's Magazine, 6 Jan. 2023 This may be in part because those whose first overtures were ignored conclude that the widow wants to be left alone, and thus cease to importune her. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2022 Stewart Dickerson, 64, is charged with importuning and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, according to jail records. Madeline Mitchell, Cincinnati.com, 28 Feb. 2020 In exchange for his guilty plea, Cuyahoga County prosecutors dropped charges of importuning and possessing criminal tools. Cory Shaffer, cleveland, 26 Feb. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for importune
Verb
  • As summer winds down and your strands have endured heatwaves, pool days, and sweaty workouts, your curls might be begging for a break.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Here’s the at-home solution your achy legs have been begging for.
    Jenny McCoy, SELF, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Haunted by the lack of answers and stymied by Mexican authorities, Barraza has turned to Chicago attorney John Lee to petition an international tribunal for help in finding the truth and getting justice.
    Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Heuermann's defense team petitioned the judge to exclude the evidence, arguing that whole genome sequencing is not widely accepted by the scientific community.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, at times, peer influence crosses the line from bothersome to dangerous.
    Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Schaffer even proposes trying travel-size products to find the right one that’s not too thick or bothersome to apply.
    Khanh T.L. Tran, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Importune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importune. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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