PRAYS Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

prays

verb

present tense third-person singular of pray

as in begs

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 prays Once a year, Akagawa takes the letters to a nearby Buddhist temple, where a monk prays over them. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 Meanwhile, back home, his community waits for news – and prays for his safety. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 4 June 2026 The family prays with Ali before a meal, with a seat at the table left empty. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 1 June 2026 This is the center where my father prays on Fridays. — Sarah Hassaine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu prays in front of the remains of military diver Mohamed Mahudhee, during his funeral in Male, Maldives, Saturday, May 16, 2026. — CBS News, 17 May 2026 In 2015, the Los Angeles Times reported Villaraigosa was a consultant to Herbalife, a controversial multi-level marketing company that critics say prays on low-income would-be entrepreneurs. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026 Roger prays, and Amy takes her last breath. — Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026 Isaac prays to God on her behalf, God answers the prayer, and Rebekah conceives. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prays

Verb

The novel, inarguably ambitious in scope, begs questions of form and content, and the possibilities and pitfalls of publishing outside traditional pathways.

— Keziah Weir, Vanity Fair, 13 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

Definition of begs

Verb

However, if someone petitions the court, a judge could order the HOA into a receivership.

— Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026
The film hands off its plot like a baton, passing from this dissatisfied shopper to a factory owner to her dead daughter-in-law (another ghost) who petitions the government for her civil rights despite being in the body of an appliance.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

Definition of petitions

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praying

prays

preach

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

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Synonyms of prays

verb

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