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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Recent Examples of praying
Baldwin included photos of herself looking nauseated, as well as pictures of her in the bathroom doing what appeared to be praying.
—
Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 4 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
Wiggins noted that her family is also praying for McCollum, who was sentenced to life behind bars with the opportunity for parole after 15 years, which was to be served consecutively with a 10-12 year sentence for a separate manslaughter case.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026
The series gets underway on Sunday, and Texas Tech better start praying there aren't any ladybugs in the dugout.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Friberg's painting of Washington praying is particularly popular among church members.
—Neda Ulaby, NPR, 27 May 2026
Pilgrims brave intense heat Many spend years hoping and praying to one day perform the Hajj or saving up money and waiting for a permit to embark on the trip.
—Mariam Fam, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2026
Many spend years hoping and praying to one day perform the Hajj or saving up money and waiting for a permit to embark on the trip.
—Baraa Anwer, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
And so, Rue finds herself in a church pew, praying for forgiveness.
—Marlow Stern, Variety, 24 May 2026
Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 4 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
Wiggins noted that her family is also praying for McCollum, who was sentenced to life behind bars with the opportunity for parole after 15 years, which was to be served consecutively with a 10-12 year sentence for a separate manslaughter case.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026
The series gets underway on Sunday, and Texas Tech better start praying there aren't any ladybugs in the dugout.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Friberg's painting of Washington praying is particularly popular among church members.
—Neda Ulaby, NPR, 27 May 2026
Pilgrims brave intense heat Many spend years hoping and praying to one day perform the Hajj or saving up money and waiting for a permit to embark on the trip.
—Mariam Fam, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2026
Many spend years hoping and praying to one day perform the Hajj or saving up money and waiting for a permit to embark on the trip.
—Baraa Anwer, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
And so, Rue finds herself in a church pew, praying for forgiveness.
—Marlow Stern, Variety, 24 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for praying
Verb
-
In an interview with The Mirror published on Thursday, May 21, royal author Andrew Lownie claimed that Fergie has found herself in a bit of a financial pickle and is begging the Firm for help.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
4 June 2026
-
This frozen treat is practically begging to be served poolside.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
LeVota recently made a last-minute pitch to the Missouri State Tax Commission, petitioning state legislators to issue a two-year property tax freeze for all residential parcels in Jackson County.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
31 May 2026
-
But Ancel Glink representatives said Odelson, Murphey, Frazier and McGrath overstepped by petitioning to represent Calumet City in both a labor dispute and a lawsuit where a former employee claims Jones extorted him and wrongfully terminated his employment.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Praying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/praying. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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