PETITION Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

petition 1 of 2

noun

pə-ˈti-shən

Definition of petition

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

as in to beg

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner petitioned the judge to be excused from jury duty for financial hardship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Based on those denials, the habeas court denied Moore’s petition to reverse the conviction. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026 The circuit judge denied Beverly Caruso’s petition for an injunction for protection against domestic violence citing insufficient facts. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

Namibians began to petition the United Nations (the successor to the League of Nations) against South African rule in the 1940s. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 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 See All Example Sentences for petition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for petition

Noun

Immediately after his plea, Mangione’s lawyers filed paperwork seeking to have the state case thrown out on double jeopardy grounds.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Friday’s big story on the cable news networks was the guilty plea of Luigi Mangione, the man who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of plea

Verb

By summer, buds cover the plant and, soon, soft, layered blossoms are begging you to cut them for the perfect bouquet.

— Heather Bien, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Canada and New England fall foliage sailings and sunny South Pacific routes are other itineraries that practically beg for a balcony stateroom.

— Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of beg

Noun

This week, during the same appeal hearing, prosecutors are mounting a separate argument that her prison sentence of 33 years with no parole isn’t long enough.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
The Powells, who have spent years returning to Sandals resorts, understand that appeal.

— Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of appeal

Noun

Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you.

— Marc Malkin, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
The period, which usually falls between July and August, is dedicated to the worship of Hindu god Lord Shiva and is marked by fasting, prayers and colorful monsoon festivals across India.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of prayer

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petiteness

petition

petitioned

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“Petition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petition. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of petition

noun

verb

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