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 Complete with layers of baguette slices, this casserole will leave them begging for seconds. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2025 President-elect Trump’s imperialist tendencies ahead of his second term are begging a question that dominated his first term: Should he be taken seriously, or literally? Brett Samuels, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025 His appearance begged the question: Will Scott ever step into the ring and wrestle like Bunny has done in the past? Shaheem Reid, Variety, 7 Jan. 2025 The general shortage of workers in America impacts every type of business, from fast food to the high-tech industry, and begs the question as to why Republicans continue to block a path to citizenship for undocumented workers who are keeping America’s economy number one in the world. Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for beg 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • Last month, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s lawyer, Aaron Siri, petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to revoke approval of the polio vaccine.
    Dr. Hannah Wunsch, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
  • In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland on Monday, Trump's attorneys demanded the report be blocked, while two former co-defendants petitioned U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to prevent the release of any report related to the Florida case.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Gideon Bernstein, Blaze's father, sent a direct message to Samuel Woodward, asking that Sam call him.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
  • But everything about the site asks you to keep walking.
    Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Catholic family gathered near the statue where their home once stood to pray and sing.
    Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Knock prepares for his master's arrival by scrawling magical, occult symbols all over his prison walls, while the city prays for mercy that never comes.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • Dylan has his guitar, naturally, and Seeger beseeches him to play something for Guthrie.
    Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near beg

Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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