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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The lopsided football and basketball brackets beg for change.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Apr. 2026
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Lindsay is still texting him, begging for a reply, but Josh focuses on getting Troy to make the necessary calls.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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And Congress cannot pass any laws that abridge the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, or the right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
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Kalshi petitioned a federal court in Montana to block state officials from enforcing gambling laws to prevent the prediction market operator from offering event contracts for trading on its federally regulated exchange.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pray. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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