BEG Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'beg' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of beg are adjure , beseech , entreat , implore , importune , and supplicate . While all these words mean "to ask urgently," beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking. // they begged for help

Q: Where would 'adjure' be a reasonable alternative to 'beg'?

Although the words adjure and beg have much in common, adjure implies advising as well as pleading. // we were adjured to tell the truth

Q: How are the words 'beseech' and 'implore' related as synonyms of 'beg'?

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety. // I beseech you to have mercy // implored her not to leave him

Q: In what contexts can 'entreat' take the place of 'beg'?

The synonyms entreat and beg are sometimes interchangeable, but entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance. // entreated me to join them

Q: When is it sensible to use 'importune' instead of 'beg'?

In some situations, the words importune and beg are roughly equivalent. However, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request. // importuning viewers for contributions

Q: When might 'supplicate' be a better fit than 'beg'?

While the synonyms supplicate and beg are close in meaning, supplicate suggests a posture of humility. // with bowed heads they supplicated their Lord

beg

verb

ˈbeg

Definition of beg next

as in to petition

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner she begged her husband to give up extreme skiing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word beg distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of beg are adjure, beseech, entreat, implore, importune, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

Where would adjure be a reasonable alternative to beg?

Although the words adjure and beg have much in common, adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

How are the words beseech and implore related as synonyms of beg?

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

I beseech you to have mercy

implored her not to leave him

In what contexts can entreat take the place of beg?

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

entreated me to join them

When is it sensible to use importune instead of beg?

In some situations, the words importune and beg are roughly equivalent. However, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

When might supplicate be a better fit than beg?

While the synonyms supplicate and beg are close in meaning, supplicate suggests a posture of humility.

with bowed heads they supplicated their Lord

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 beg This begs the question, is there a sequel in the works? —

Emily Blackwood, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025 That then begs the question about the stock’s performance. —

Jennifer Weil, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 During the service, Budde begged for mercy over communities likely to be impacted by Trump’s new policies. —

Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 That begs the question, are jellyfish memories worth remembering? —

Contributing Writer, Orange County Register, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for beg

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg

Verb

This time, a lawyer for Harry petitioned the judge for an hour, before asking for yet another delay, until 2 p.m. London time, and then for two more hours, as the lawyers conferred with their clients in faraway time zones.

— Mark Landler, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Von then asked what could be done to rein in the influence of these lobbyists, who have long been protected by the First Amendment right to petition their government.

— Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025