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
Community praying for restart of weekend meals program Teachers and administrators at Children's Place Preschool on Longshore Avenue call the meals a blessing.
—
Mike Spatocco, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The irony is not lost on her when Captain Cunningham’s mother (Frances Tomelty) shows up to pray with Claire for her son and Claire’s husband.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Apr. 2026
Another ancient tradition is the extensive prayers of the faithful, interspersed with genuflections, which today include intentions as varied as praying for the pope, for the Jewish people, and for those who do not believe in God.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
The children and their families gather in the Shul at the Chabad of Greater Boynton Beach to ask the four questions, sing songs, eat matzah and pray.
—Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pray
Mike Spatocco, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
The irony is not lost on her when Captain Cunningham’s mother (Frances Tomelty) shows up to pray with Claire for her son and Claire’s husband.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Apr. 2026
Another ancient tradition is the extensive prayers of the faithful, interspersed with genuflections, which today include intentions as varied as praying for the pope, for the Jewish people, and for those who do not believe in God.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
The children and their families gather in the Shul at the Chabad of Greater Boynton Beach to ask the four questions, sing songs, eat matzah and pray.
—Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pray
Verb
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Back at the main building, Restaurant Kinsley draws both guests and locals with a seasonal New American menu featuring oysters, rigatoni, and a flourless brownie that begs for repeat orders.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2026
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The Blue Jays have been begging for a spark for the last six games, anything to reignite an offence and bring home a win.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Residents attempted to start a referendum process, suing to uphold their right to petition for a public vote on the tax breaks, but were shut down by a Jackson County judge despite collecting about 5,000 signatures.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2026
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Cathy Kenter, who helped lead one of three groups that petitioned to get the issue on the ballot, called the vote an opportunity for the city to listen to residents.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pray. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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