PRAYING Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

praying

verb

present participle of pray

as in begging

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner I pray you: tell me where they went

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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 That officer, Wolle stressed, became the barrier between the gunman and the people praying inside. — Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 In response to that post, fans shared messages of support for Chenal, praying for a full recovery. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026 After a few minutes, Reed was strapped on a back board and loaded onto the cart as the entire Packers sideline surrounded him — many of them on a knee and praying. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026 After the oscillating light and dark, after the speeding forward, after the commuting or praying or both, this moment seems to hold an extra teaching. — Ben Corn, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026 Catcher Francisco Alvarez appeared to be praying and members of both teams looked on from the dugouts. — CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 Each week, parishioners gather for an hour of walking and praying in the Parish Hall. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 In the weeks before a premiere at a fall film festival, most directors are racing the clock to finish a final edit or praying to their respective higher powers. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 Please join me in praying for Wayne’s family and friends during this difficult time. — Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for praying

Verb

The Sarti Spritz has built a devoted following from Americans visiting Europe over the past few years, posting the bubbly concoction on TikTok and begging the company to bring it stateside.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Behind the scenes, Meta is having some of these calls being handled by humans in call centers, 404 Media reports, despite employees practically begging the company not to go through with the charade.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of begging

Verb

Anthropic may appeal today’s ruling, either by asking for an en banc review with all of the appeals court judges or by petitioning the Supreme Court.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2026
Student groups are petitioning the CES to maintain the school’s traditional hiring practices, where the teaching staff isn’t chosen based only on academic credentials, but also on lived experience.

— Caterina Morbiato, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of petitioning

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prayers

praying

prays

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“Praying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/praying. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of praying

verb

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