as in to beg
to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner
I pray you: tell me where they went
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Recent Examples of pray
Please know that there are thousands of Dodger fans, Charley Steiner fans, who are praying for your recovery.
—
Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Speaking of divine intervention, Bobcats fans are no doubt praying for a first NAIA national football championship.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
In 2015, the Los Angeles Times reported Villaraigosa was a consultant to Herbalife, a controversial multi-level marketing company that critics say prays on low-income would-be entrepreneurs.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Here, visitors can gaze upon the icon of the Virgin Mary, which sits surrounded by gifts from those who come to pray.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pray
Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Speaking of divine intervention, Bobcats fans are no doubt praying for a first NAIA national football championship.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
In 2015, the Los Angeles Times reported Villaraigosa was a consultant to Herbalife, a controversial multi-level marketing company that critics say prays on low-income would-be entrepreneurs.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Here, visitors can gaze upon the icon of the Virgin Mary, which sits surrounded by gifts from those who come to pray.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pray
Verb
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At the end of regret-flow plotlines, husbands tend to beg their wives for forgiveness by dropping to their knees.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
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Rollins stormed off the set, leaving Brandt and the rest of his co-hosts stunned, with the latter begging the former to return and finish his segment.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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According to the attorney general’s office, Charrington and her sister petitioned a court for a conservator to be appointed to represent their father.—
Melissa Russo,
NBC news,
23 Apr. 2026
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In court, CareTrust petitioned Judge Richard Miadich to dismiss it from the lawsuit before trial.—
Jordan Rau,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pray. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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