PRAYING Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

praying

verb

present participle of pray

as in begging

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner I pray you: tell me where they went

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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 praying Fujimori said millions of Peruvians were praying for the pontiff’s recovery and awaiting further announcements from the Vatican. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 During the visit, the pair made history by praying together at the Sistine Chapel—the first public prayer between a British monarch and pope since Henry VIII split from Rome in 1534. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 14 Oct. 2026 Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin told Italian media on Tuesday that Catholic clergy are all praying for the pope’s good health. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 Please join me and the people of the Holy Father's home diocese in praying for his swift and complete recovery. — Tara Molina, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026 The team’s brightest moment comes when Olivia realizes that Daisy has incorporated her unique personality traits, like praying repetitiously and loving the musical Annie. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 That officer, Wolle stressed, became the barrier between the gunman and the people praying inside. — Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 In response to that post, fans shared messages of support for Chenal, praying for a full recovery. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026 After the oscillating light and dark, after the speeding forward, after the commuting or praying or both, this moment seems to hold an extra teaching. — Ben Corn, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for praying

Verb

Mahajan’s family has appeared at City Hall, in person and through videoconference calls from India, begging the city to finally end the rides.

— Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Mahajan's family has appeared at City Hall, in person and through videoconference calls from India, begging the city to finally end the rides.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of begging

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
Anthropic may appeal today’s ruling, either by asking for an en banc review with all of the appeals court judges or by petitioning the Supreme Court.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of petitioning

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prayers

praying

prays

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

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Synonyms of praying

verb

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