as in plea
an earnest request
a flurry of petitions from eating and drinking establishments to be exempt from the new antismoking regulations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to beg
to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner
petitioned the judge to be excused from jury duty for financial hardship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 petition
Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Though, that investigation started when District Attorney Spencer Merriweather asked the SBI to review claims in the petition to remove him.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
They were released earlier this month after their lawyers petitioned the court.
—Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for petition
Noun
The district did not respond to a request for comment on the petition.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Though, that investigation started when District Attorney Spencer Merriweather asked the SBI to review claims in the petition to remove him.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Dallas County Democratic Party petitioned a judge to extend the hours due to confusion throughout the day, according to executive director Brenda Allen.
—Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
They were released earlier this month after their lawyers petitioned the court.
—Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for petition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for petition
Noun
-
Kirk was charged by federal prosecutors with a felony but offered a misdemeanor plea deal before the case went to trial.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
They were not required to enter a plea.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Casino operators and tourism officials have traveled North to reassure Canadian leaders, Las Vegas’ mayor publicly begged them to return last year and Las Vegas’ tourism bureau is stepping up advertising in major Canadian markets.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Savannah and her siblings have posted several impassioned pleas to their mother's kidnapper, begging the person to let Nancy go.—
Daysia Tolentino,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While the Congress and the Communists retain loyal voter bases, Shah's party has drawn larger crowds on the campaign trail, highlighting its growing appeal among younger voters seeking an alternative.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
-
In January, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court granted her an appeal to reexamine the matter.—
Kailyn Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Tim Pennington called again that evening, Bell said, to ask for prayers as his son's condition was worsening, and then later told him the soldier had succumbed to his injuries.—
ALLEN G. BREED,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
-
With a defense-first lineup stuck on the floor and no opportunity to advance the ball, the Nuggets had no choice but to settle for a 60-foot prayer by Gordon at the buzzer.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Petition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petition. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
