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
Frade’s views were echoed by other priests in South Florida, many of whom were praying this would mark the beginning of a better life for Cubans on the island.
—
Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Hall County School District Superintendent Will Schofield said the district was heartbroken over Hughes’ death and praying for his family.
—Austin Mullen, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026
Another shows two boys praying by a statue of the Virgin Mary in an Italian courtyard.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Many of the businesses in the industrial complex were back open Thursday, but some workers said they were still rattled by what happened and are praying for everyone who was hurt.
—Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
In fact, praying to saints or ancestors elevated them above the status of mere mortals, effectively denying the singular might of God.
—Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026
Please join me in praying for US service members, our allies, and the innocent Iranian population that has been brutalized for decades.
—Twumasi Duah-Mensah, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2026
And the bipartisan Washington consensus eschews reforms in favor of praying that the economy magically grows its way out of this fiscal disaster.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
His political campaign is spinning into high gear, posting videos showing him as a pious governor holding a Bible, praying and hugging pastors.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Hall County School District Superintendent Will Schofield said the district was heartbroken over Hughes’ death and praying for his family.
—Austin Mullen, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026
Another shows two boys praying by a statue of the Virgin Mary in an Italian courtyard.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Many of the businesses in the industrial complex were back open Thursday, but some workers said they were still rattled by what happened and are praying for everyone who was hurt.
—Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
In fact, praying to saints or ancestors elevated them above the status of mere mortals, effectively denying the singular might of God.
—Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026
Please join me in praying for US service members, our allies, and the innocent Iranian population that has been brutalized for decades.
—Twumasi Duah-Mensah, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2026
And the bipartisan Washington consensus eschews reforms in favor of praying that the economy magically grows its way out of this fiscal disaster.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
His political campaign is spinning into high gear, posting videos showing him as a pious governor holding a Bible, praying and hugging pastors.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for praying
Verb
-
With poor air quality adding to an environment begging for a change, the project will demolish, redirect and streamline traffic connections between Jack London Square, Chinatown and West Alameda over the next three years.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The main street that intercepts the end of my block is tree-lined and buzzing, with generous sidewalks, gleaming (and respected) crosswalks, and wide windowscapes just begging to be strolled and observed.—
Claire Salinda,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In addition to petitioning to be represented by a special assistant attorney general, DiZoglio also sought more time to file in opposition to Campbell’s motion to strike.—
State House News Service,
Boston Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
-
That led to Jaicomo petitioning the Supreme Court to hear the case.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Praying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/praying. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
