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
Sheltering as the storm hit The three took cover in a bathroom, praying as the storm tore through their homes.
—
Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Georgia is undergoing one of the worst spring droughts in history, and while much of the state is praying for some rain, southern and coastal Georgia are in desperate need.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Many people are hoping—nay, praying—that the potential AI bubble will burst soon.
—ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
Muslim worshippers, barred from praying at the Al-Aqsa mosque under wartime restrictions, had gathered outside the walls of the Old City for prayers.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
Starmer — who is facing relentless domestic criticism over a flailing economy and his appointment of the disgraced Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, while grappling with a surging far-right opposition — will be praying for a smooth visit.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Be respectful of the space and those praying.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
Be sure to be respectful of the space and those praying.
—Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Inside a 10th Street parking garage, Dena Burch was praying for her life and that of her nieces.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Georgia is undergoing one of the worst spring droughts in history, and while much of the state is praying for some rain, southern and coastal Georgia are in desperate need.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Many people are hoping—nay, praying—that the potential AI bubble will burst soon.
—ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
Muslim worshippers, barred from praying at the Al-Aqsa mosque under wartime restrictions, had gathered outside the walls of the Old City for prayers.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
Starmer — who is facing relentless domestic criticism over a flailing economy and his appointment of the disgraced Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, while grappling with a surging far-right opposition — will be praying for a smooth visit.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Be respectful of the space and those praying.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
Be sure to be respectful of the space and those praying.
—Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Inside a 10th Street parking garage, Dena Burch was praying for her life and that of her nieces.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for praying
Verb
-
The deck space is bliss for morning coffee moments, and the firepit is begging for s’mores.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
1 May 2026
-
My friend has been begging me to go on a trip together for over a year now.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Several European nations, including Spain, Italy, and Portugal, are also petitioning the EU to revive a windfall tax system last imposed in 2022 during the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Some Russians this week risked their freedom by petitioning authorities to lift restrictions.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Praying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/praying. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
