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
The occurrences grew more aggressive over time, with the Smurls' 75-pound German shepherd getting slammed into a wall and Jack getting attacked while praying.
—
Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Vatican officials say both the mother of the young boy and the injured woman had prayed to Acutis for help.
—Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
Soon after, an army of local women show up, strip a wary Julia of her gown and pray over her naked belly before dressing her in a new nightie and easing her down onto the bed.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 5 Sep. 2025
Is the demon in Annabelle the same Ram that the cult prays to?
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pray
Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Vatican officials say both the mother of the young boy and the injured woman had prayed to Acutis for help.
—Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
Soon after, an army of local women show up, strip a wary Julia of her gown and pray over her naked belly before dressing her in a new nightie and easing her down onto the bed.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 5 Sep. 2025
Is the demon in Annabelle the same Ram that the cult prays to?
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pray
Verb
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Each room and common area feels like a treasure box; there’s hardly an inch of space that doesn’t beg you to stop, snap a photo, and admire the artistic composition.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
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The Academy is forcing me to beg political people to screen and select my film.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In 2021, at the height of the pandemic, Kennedy petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to revoke authorization of COVID-19 vaccines and refrain from approving any future COVID-19 vaccines.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
12 Sep. 2025
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In 2016, the Mans petitioned to become Natalia’s legal guardians; however, a hearing was required to determine whether Natalia was a minor or a legal adult.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pray. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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