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
Liang, kneeling before me, made a praying gesture and rubbed his hands together to warm them.
—
Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
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
The woman, who doctors said had a low chance of survival, was said to have healed miraculously after praying for Acutis to intercede, according to Vatican News.
—Lauren Costantino
september 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Head on swivel, looking, praying.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Frey was simply saying praying is not enough.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
At that point, Olsen started praying that the show would get canceled before the cast aged out.
—Mark Gray, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
For some people, praying is asking God to change something in the world.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
The shooter initially opened fire through a window as children were in pews praying, later entering the church and firing three firearms, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 27 Aug. 2025
Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
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
The woman, who doctors said had a low chance of survival, was said to have healed miraculously after praying for Acutis to intercede, according to Vatican News.
—Lauren Costantino
september 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Head on swivel, looking, praying.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Frey was simply saying praying is not enough.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
At that point, Olsen started praying that the show would get canceled before the cast aged out.
—Mark Gray, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
For some people, praying is asking God to change something in the world.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
The shooter initially opened fire through a window as children were in pews praying, later entering the church and firing three firearms, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for praying
Verb
-
As summer winds down and your strands have endured heatwaves, pool days, and sweaty workouts, your curls might be begging for a break.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
-
If anything, people were begging me to stop.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
With that and five other Florida Bar cases over her head, Hufnagel cut the professional rope, petitioning for disciplinary revocation.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Hundreds of postdoctoral scholars and research associates at Northwestern University voted to unionize this week, nearly two months after petitioning school officials.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Praying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/praying. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share