Synonym Chooser

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
Verb
  • During the news conference, several people described how the fires had affected their families and asked public officials to hold oil companies to account.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Ahead of the Board of Education approving the deficit reduction plan in January 2025, the administration held three community meetings to get feedback from parents and community members asking them what was most important to them.
    Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In this case, TCU doesn’t have to pray but rather just pay.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Fortunately for Schwartz, good Catholics will turn the other cheek and pray for his intellectual redemption. — Marilyn O’Shaughnessy, Palos Park Foundation for 3 religions Peter H. Schwartz is wrong.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Experts are imploring schools to be ready with mental health resources and to quickly get plans into place that will restore learning environments without more disruption to students’ lives.
    Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Reed implored the committee to make the FBI's background check available to all committee members, but Wicker rebuffed his request.
    Avery Lotz, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Critics of Israel’s conduct of the war have beseeched Mr. Biden to withhold weapons aid to Israel to pressure it to curb its military operations, which have demolished most of Gaza.
    Edward Wong, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Dylan has his guitar, naturally, and Seeger beseeches him to play something for Guthrie.
    Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near beg

Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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