beg

verb

ˈbeg How to pronounce beg (audio)
Definition of begnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Ulin has put together the kind of anthology that begs to be dipped into and savored. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 This $6 high-neck tank is a layering staple (under a polka-dot cardigan, perhaps), while this chambray button-down is practically begging to be worn at the pumpkin patch. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026 The series remains perpetually glum, refusing to project any light behind a conceit begging for a few laughs. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 Cautioned by his partner Bianca (Maria Pedraza) against getting too deeply involved with a rich criminal’s wife, Dani begs Nora to run away with him, but refuses to commit murder for her. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
  1. petition
  2. ask
  3. pray
  4. implore
  5. beseech
Verb
  • If the teams refuse to enroll the players who benefit from the TRO, those players could petition Hoffman to clarify that his order also blocks the SEC from punishing schools.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The accusations surfaced after the Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy (COGS) petitioned to have a court unseal the divorce records dating to 2012.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of petition
Verb
  • However, the Raiders will be asking a lot of Eichenberg and Lindenberg if either starter goes down.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to contact the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4330.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of ask
Verb
  • For more than a decade, Goldring searched, hoped and prayed for a kidney while doing her best to live her life and prepare for her future.
    — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In October, Parton spoke candidly in a video message released after her sister publicly raised concerns, asking fans to pray for the singer.
    — Paris Close, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of pray
Verb
  • The sea change coming for the Angels franchise felt due, illustrated each night at Angel Stadium by the waves of shirtless fans in the upper decks imploring Arte Moreno to sell the team.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Education Minister Naima Trujillo Barreto implored Cubans to help fill the gaps, calling on university students, professionals and even retirees.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of implore
Verb
  • The play is set in a lecture hall in 1890, as Theo (played by Pasternak) recounts his memories of Vincent and beseeches the audience — and the world — to understand his brother.
    — Steve Palopoli, Mercury News, 2 May 2026
  • Some Cypress Village residents are beseeching the city to keep it that way, even as the HOA applies to let the pickle balling resume.
    — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Definition of beseech

Browse Nearby Words

befuddling
beg
began
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Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beg

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about beg

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