Definition of begnext

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 Embarrassed, Long would beg her mother to take them off. Zeba Blay, SELF, 21 Apr. 2026 But Caitlin begs Vix to come to her wedding, to be her maid of honor. Peter White, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026 But a woman in the audience named Amelia thought that begged the question. John Ramos, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026 Mary is bedraggled and wet, begging for a gown for a comeback performance in a few days. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beg
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg
Verb
  • The city of Meriden is also petitioning to retain custody of the two cats with a hearing scheduled for Friday at the Meriden Superior Court.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In 2009, after petitioning the court to have her ailing father placed under a conservatorship, Catherine was permitted to visit Peter Falk, who was suffering from dementia.
    Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The team asked people to memorize locations on a graph while smelling the scent of rose.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • At one point, Iran asked to move its games to Mexico, but that request was rejected.
    Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • And the children would bow their heads and pray to God for candy … and open your eyes.
    Mo Rocca, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Palestinians pray over the bodies of people killed in an Israeli airstrike in the city of Khan Younis, southern Gaza on April 21, 2026.
    Matt Bradley, NBC news, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Gobert was chief among the beggars imploring his teammates for a shred of consistency on that end of the floor.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2026
  • California’s Democratic Party chair is imploring other low-polling candidates to drop out in hopes of preventing a Republican — or two — from advancing out of the June 2 primary.
    Chris Fusco April 23, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Come in great numbers; this we beseech; Help San Diego to win free speech.
    Amelia Soth, JSTOR Daily, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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