BEG Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

beg

verb

ˈbeg

Definition of beg

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

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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 Jurors heard a harrowing voicemail left by Johnson begging one of her friends for help as Williams butchered her, stabbing her five times in the chest and four times in her back. — John Annese, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026 The warm waffle can be filled with matcha, strawberry soft serve or a swirl of both, then dressed up Pocky sticks for a dessert that practically begs for a photo before the first bite. — Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2026 That's because when the stakes are high, and the actors begin to cry, the serious tone begs to be subverted by a humorous caption. — Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 The Oni Refuge has a winding layout with an environment that beg to be explored. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beg

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beg

Verb

Brian Hickerson petitioned the court to reduce his felony domestic violence convictions to misdemeanors and to expunge the case from his record.

— Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Her attorney petitioned the Sixth District Court of Appeal to stop Downs’ investigation, arguing the state had authority over the ethics matter.

— Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of petition

Verb

Appearing on Fox News on Thursday, Vance was asked how the conflict could ultimately end.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Women considering enlistment are generally more likely to ask practical questions about pregnancy policies, hygiene and whether barracks were coed, recruiters and women currently serving explained.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of ask

Verb

Not long afterward, witnesses heard groans and heavy breathing as the spiritual adviser put her hands on his shoulders and prayed over him.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Many are headed to pray at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of pray

Verb

To sleuth out who the culprits are, Murashige lends on the extra-sharp deductive skills of Kanbei, who implored for death rather than imprisonment.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
The 6-1 vote was met by celebration inside the packed council chambers after dozens spoke out, imploring the council to move forward with the lawsuit.

— Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 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

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befuddling

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“Beg.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beg. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of beg

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Beg the Question

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