supplicate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word supplicate distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supplicate are adjure, beg, beseech, entreat, implore, and importune. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," supplicate suggests a posture of humility.

with bowed heads they supplicated their Lord

In what contexts can adjure take the place of supplicate?

While the synonyms adjure and supplicate are close in meaning, adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

Where would beg be a reasonable alternative to supplicate?

Although the words beg and supplicate have much in common, beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

How do beseech and implore relate to one another, in the sense of supplicate?

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

I beseech you to have mercy
implored her not to leave him

When might entreat be a better fit than supplicate?

The synonyms entreat and supplicate are sometimes interchangeable, but entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When can importune be used instead of supplicate?

While in some cases nearly identical to supplicate, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

Thesaurus Entries Near supplicate

Cite this Entry

“Supplicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supplicate. Accessed 2 May. 2024.

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