implore

Synonym Chooser

How is the word implore distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of implore are adjure, beg, beseech, entreat, importune, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

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

When might adjure be a better fit than implore?

While in some cases nearly identical to implore, adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

When is it sensible to use beg instead of implore?

The synonyms beg and implore are sometimes interchangeable, but beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

In what contexts can entreat take the place of implore?

In some situations, the words entreat and implore are roughly equivalent. However, entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When would importune be a good substitute for implore?

While the synonyms importune and implore are close in meaning, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

When is supplicate a more appropriate choice than implore?

The words supplicate and implore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 implore Curtis also implored her followers to spread helpful information during confusing and difficult times. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 French President Emmanuel Macron, whose embrace of Mr. Trump early in his first term turned sour, not only invited but also reportedly implored him to attend the grand reopening of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris last month. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Jan. 2025 Butler has missed 10 of the Heat’s first 32 games this season, months after Riley implored him to be available for more games. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Jan. 2025 Interim Kings coach Doug Christie is imploring his players to be better in front of their home crowd. Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for implore 

Thesaurus Entries Near implore

Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on implore

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