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
Groups opposed the project because of its proximity to a sacred site called Pe'Sla, a meadow in the Black Hills where Sioux tribes hold ceremonies and pray throughout the year.
—
ABC News, 8 May 2026
Everyone involved in this process, save for the student-athletes and their agents, is praying that a more rigid structure that provides cost certainty will be implemented within the next year.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
Trustees at several districts cited logistical challenges in complying with the law, while others — such as board members at Katy ISD — noted that students can already pray during non-instructional time.
—Haajrah Gilani, Houston Chronicle, 7 May 2026
Mitchell always prayed before games.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pray
ABC News, 8 May 2026
Everyone involved in this process, save for the student-athletes and their agents, is praying that a more rigid structure that provides cost certainty will be implemented within the next year.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
Trustees at several districts cited logistical challenges in complying with the law, while others — such as board members at Katy ISD — noted that students can already pray during non-instructional time.
—Haajrah Gilani, Houston Chronicle, 7 May 2026
Mitchell always prayed before games.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pray
Verb
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Several visiting unaffiliated curators, who would not go on the record for this story with quotes, begged for more cohesion.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
8 May 2026
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Most regular folks, including the thousands of fans streaming into Quail Hollow Thursday, would beg to differ.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The record had been under seal for around seven years before the New York Times petitioned for its release last month.—
Shirsho Dasgupta
Updated May 6,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
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Whether Sorsby will petition the NFL to hold a supplemental draft this summer and whether the NFL would agree are unknowns.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pray. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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