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

Examples 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 More than 200,000 acres of woodland stretch across the region, begging to be explored. Catherine Garcia, theweek, 31 Oct. 2024 The nature of the gas market, then, meant buyers begged, bribed, or bullied sellers into supplying gas to keep their lights on. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024 Whoopi Goldberg begs for it Georgia NAACP president warns against election interference; says voter suppression happening now Joe Rogan endorses Donald Trump, praises Elon Musk: Watch Will Trump or Harris win? The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 Finally, as Chairwoman Tanya Lewis said, the tribe wrote letters begging the government for some land. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for beg 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • But Michael Fields, president of Advance Colorado, the conservative group that petitioned the amendment on the ballot, has denied claims that the measure would have led to a voucher program.
    Jessica Seaman, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
  • That is the total number of daily $1 million payouts the super PAC has awarded to petition signees so far, with the latest recipient being a resident of Griffin, Georgia.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Police said no arrests have been made and asked that anyone with information on the shootings to call 512-974-TIPS.
    Austin American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder will ask President-elect Donald Trump to release him from a 20-year prison sentence, his attorney said.
    Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The couple prayed together multiple times during their proposal.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
  • According to the trailer, the quartet engages in fun shenanigans throughout the country, like trekking through rice patties, praying, taking mudbaths, and connecting with the locals.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Stockmann, a grad student, was sold on Cignetti when the coach sent an email to students imploring them to show up for a certain victory against Maryland (final score: Indiana 42, Maryland 28).
    Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
  • Barton Simpson also implored his brother to do right by his family.
    Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Though quarterback-hungry franchises have beseeched teams up and down the top 10 to consider a trade, Chicago wasn’t even an option on the call sheet.
    Dianna Russini, The Athletic, 24 Apr. 2024
  • In a heartbreaking moment, Driggs lifts his hairy little arms up to his human, beseeching him to take him back.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near beg

Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on beg

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