as in begging
to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner
I pray you: tell me where they went
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of praying
According to the synagogue’s estimates provided in court records, between 60 and 70 people who consider themselves members have been praying at other locations.
—
Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
If necessary, remind her that silent prayer is just as effective as praying aloud.
—Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
No more rain dances or praying to gods for battle or superstitious nonsense, save hotels lacking a 13th floor or a few people in the woods of Wisconsin.
—Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
Shortly after Ben-Gvir entered the Anderson House, protestors removed their shoes, laid down their flags and bowed their heads in the middle of the street to begin praying for the lives lost in the ongoing war in Gaza.
—Meredith Nierman, NPR, 23 Dec. 2025
Several witnesses described believing a mass shooting was underway, praying on the ground and scrambling for safety as chaos erupted across campus.
—Stepheny Price , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
In the soul searching and praying that ensued, Sweeney asked for a sign.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2025
Tips for Keeping Punch Bowls Cold Throwing cups of ice into a bowl and praying for a miracle simply won’t cut it.
—Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025
The great thing is, there will be many people praying for her.
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 10 Nov. 2025
Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
If necessary, remind her that silent prayer is just as effective as praying aloud.
—Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
No more rain dances or praying to gods for battle or superstitious nonsense, save hotels lacking a 13th floor or a few people in the woods of Wisconsin.
—Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
Shortly after Ben-Gvir entered the Anderson House, protestors removed their shoes, laid down their flags and bowed their heads in the middle of the street to begin praying for the lives lost in the ongoing war in Gaza.
—Meredith Nierman, NPR, 23 Dec. 2025
Several witnesses described believing a mass shooting was underway, praying on the ground and scrambling for safety as chaos erupted across campus.
—Stepheny Price , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
In the soul searching and praying that ensued, Sweeney asked for a sign.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2025
Tips for Keeping Punch Bowls Cold Throwing cups of ice into a bowl and praying for a miracle simply won’t cut it.
—Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025
The great thing is, there will be many people praying for her.
—Belinda Luscombe, Time, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for praying
Verb
-
Those in charge — as in charge as anybody can be with every policy just a judge’s ruling away from being null and void — have been begging Congress for help for years, but to no avail.—
Ralph D. Russo,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
-
His parents also pleaded with him to drop the weapon while begging the cops not to shoot their son.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
About 1,000 companies are petitioning the court to scrap the tariffs.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
-
In court documents petitioning for Reed-Bell to be held in pre-trial detention, prosecutors said the shooting was motivated by jealousy, with the altercation that led to Miller’s death being prompted by Miller spending time with Reed-Bell’s girlfriend.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Praying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/praying. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share