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
The appeals court judge cited various cases where the 9th Circuit sided against religious institutions on being allowed to only hire like-minded employees, a coach praying after football games, and a fireman who was allegedly fired over his religious beliefs, among other cases.
—
Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2026
During his 90 days in the hospital, Kloots rallied an online community behind her family, praying for his recovery and uplifting one another each night.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
This week, Díaz’s father posted a viral video of himself praying over his son’s jersey ahead of his first World Cup game.
—ABC News, 18 June 2026
About 30 relatives had gathered at the courthouse ahead of the hearing, holding hands and praying.
—Martín Adames, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
The New York Times posted a video of Warnock criticizing Republicans for praying before voting to cut Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program while extending tax cuts for the wealthy.
—Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 15 June 2026
Thinking of and praying for the welfare of others is one way to cultivate compassion, something much needed in our world right now.
—David Kay, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
Before the march set off for the Rose Garden near the Knesset, Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum recited the Traveler’s Prayer, praying for the marchers’ safety and alluding to Banki’s death nearly 11 years before.
—Theia Chatelle, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026
One person watching practice read the Lord’s Prayer to his viewers, praying for good health for the players.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2026
During his 90 days in the hospital, Kloots rallied an online community behind her family, praying for his recovery and uplifting one another each night.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
This week, Díaz’s father posted a viral video of himself praying over his son’s jersey ahead of his first World Cup game.
—ABC News, 18 June 2026
About 30 relatives had gathered at the courthouse ahead of the hearing, holding hands and praying.
—Martín Adames, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
The New York Times posted a video of Warnock criticizing Republicans for praying before voting to cut Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program while extending tax cuts for the wealthy.
—Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 15 June 2026
Thinking of and praying for the welfare of others is one way to cultivate compassion, something much needed in our world right now.
—David Kay, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
Before the march set off for the Rose Garden near the Knesset, Rabbi Tamar Elad-Appelbaum recited the Traveler’s Prayer, praying for the marchers’ safety and alluding to Banki’s death nearly 11 years before.
—Theia Chatelle, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026
One person watching practice read the Lord’s Prayer to his viewers, praying for good health for the players.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for praying
Verb
-
Stuffed with a bacon-cream cheese filling, these poppers are begging to make an appearance this Fourth of July.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
20 June 2026
-
Setting the factory ablaze and escaping, Naim pauses for a minute when the Ryan-like monster appears at a window, begging to be released and claiming to be the human-being.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Stated differently, Sorsby petitioning the NFL doesn’t mean the NFL will grant the petition.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 June 2026
-
India’s solar industry is seeking higher power prices by petitioning the electricity regulator to lift or adjust price caps in the competitive spot power market.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Praying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/praying. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
