Definition of petitionnext
as in plea
an earnest request a flurry of petitions from eating and drinking establishments to be exempt from the new antismoking regulations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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petition

2 of 2

verb

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 petition
Noun
There’s currently a petition circulating among them urging national leaders to respect their vote to endorse Raman. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026 Kalshi has filed rehearing petitions asking the Sixth and Ninth Circuits to review their latest rulings, citing the forthcoming CFTC rules. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
The BoMar Club has received just under thirty thousand dollars from the opioid settlement, to fix its roof and bolster outreach efforts, and Coleman was petitioning the commission for more money to redo the floor, which sagged under our feet. — Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026 The group already was living in New Mexico when a Georgia juvenile court issued a pickup order for the boy after his mother petitioned for emergency custody. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for petition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for petition
Noun
  • In addition to being barred from ever owning livestock again, Barr’s plea agreement prevents him from owning or living with any type of animal for 15 years, according to PETA.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The judge also cited the defendant’s guilty plea, which avoided a lengthy trial, his cooperation with police, lack of a criminal record and his remorsefulness as factors in her decision.
    — Menelaos Hadjicostis, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Therein, a young woman sits on her dead lover’s grave for a year, begging to see him again.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
  • With Blauvelt's killer still on the loose, her family begged for answers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The ban remains in force, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hear a further appeal early next month.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In the appeal, the Cubs will be ready to counter these and other potential arguments.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Vatican said the pope is scheduled to recite the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment on Sunday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Another chorus of thoughts and prayers Members of the Bend community gathered downtown in Drake Park on Thursday evening for a prayer vigil to support each other and grieve.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Petition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petition. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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