IMPORTUNE Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'importune' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of importune are adjure , beg , beseech , entreat , implore , and supplicate . While all these words mean "to ask urgently," importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request. // importuning viewers for contributions

Q: When would 'adjure' be a good substitute for 'importune'?

Although the words adjure and importune have much in common, adjure implies advising as well as pleading. // we were adjured to tell the truth

Q: When could 'beg' be used to replace 'importune'?

The words beg and importune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking. // they begged for help

Q: How are the words 'beseech' and 'implore' related as synonyms of 'importune'?

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety. // I beseech you to have mercy // implored her not to leave him

Q: When is 'entreat' a more appropriate choice than 'importune'?

While the synonyms entreat and importune are close in meaning, entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance. // entreated me to join them

Q: When can 'supplicate' be used instead of 'importune'?

In some situations, the words supplicate and importune are roughly equivalent. However, supplicate suggests a posture of humility. // with bowed heads they supplicated their Lord

importune 1 of 2

verb

ˌim-pər-ˈtün

Definition of importune

as in to beg

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner she was always importuning people for favors, even when she had no right to ask

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

importune

2 of 2

adjective

as in importunate

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How is the word importune distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of importune are adjure, beg, beseech, entreat, implore, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

When would adjure be a good substitute for importune?

Although the words adjure and importune have much in common, adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

When could beg be used to replace importune?

The words beg and importune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

How are the words beseech and implore related as synonyms of importune?

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

I beseech you to have mercy

implored her not to leave him

When is entreat a more appropriate choice than importune?

While the synonyms entreat and importune are close in meaning, entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When can supplicate be used instead of importune?

In some situations, the words supplicate and importune are roughly equivalent. However, 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 importune

Verb

Kearse’s felony charges included trafficking in persons, importuning, compelling prostitution and compelling prostitution involving a minor. — Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026 Miss Manners understands that people who have trouble saying no might be sorry to disappoint those who importune them. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 15 July 2025 Said brother was importuned only occasionally, a distant wingman to these sorties. — Wyatt Mason, Harper's Magazine, 6 Jan. 2023 This may be in part because those whose first overtures were ignored conclude that the widow wants to be left alone, and thus cease to importune her. — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2022

Adjective

The Blazers did not turn the ball over but importune mistakes resulted in the Owls taking an early lead and eventually surging ahead in the second half. — Evan Dudley, al, 2 Nov. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for importune

Verb

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

Definition of beg

Verb

Several days later, her parents petitioned the judge, requesting that she not be tested for brain death as advised by doctors.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Authored by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, AB 2384 would allow people convicted of eligible offenses to petition a court to have their records sealed.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of petition

Adjective

The ongoing sagas of Getz and Hoyer, two executives who got their jobs the old-school Chicago way — with no bothersome hiring searches conducted by their bosses — are ones that continue to fascinate me.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
One form of treatment, called menopausal hormone therapy, can address several bothersome symptoms, particularly hot flashes, and can improve quality of life for some patients.

— Versha Pleasant, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

Definition of bothersome

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importunate

importune

importuned

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“Importune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/importune. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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