implore

Definition of implorenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word implore distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of implore are adjure, beg, beseech, entreat, importune, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

I beseech you to have mercy
implored her not to leave him

When might adjure be a better fit than implore?

While in some cases nearly identical to implore, adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

When is it sensible to use beg instead of implore?

The synonyms beg and implore are sometimes interchangeable, but beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

In what contexts can entreat take the place of implore?

In some situations, the words entreat and implore are roughly equivalent. However, entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When would importune be a good substitute for implore?

While the synonyms importune and implore are close in meaning, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

When is supplicate a more appropriate choice than implore?

The words supplicate and implore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 implore Later in March, an open letter from seventy-three artists and curators participating in the Biennale implored the organizers not to include Russia, Israel or the United States. News Desk, Artforum, 14 Apr. 2026 Speaking of breathing, Cleveland is not happy to hear that Cunningham still has any breath in his lungs and implores Jamie to make an example out of him by stringing him up in the nearest tree. Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026 The Maryland governor implored his fellow Democrats contemplating a 2028 run to focus on the 2026 midterm elections and put in the work to help Democrats win back power. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 9 Apr. 2026 During his first term, he was reported to routinely tear up documents, despite staffers imploring him not to. David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for implore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for implore
Verb
  • The lopsided football and basketball brackets beg for change.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Lindsay is still texting him, begging for a reply, but Josh focuses on getting Troy to make the necessary calls.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • According to the attorney general’s office, Charrington and her sister petitioned a court for a conservator to be appointed to represent their father.
    Melissa Russo, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
  • In court, CareTrust petitioned Judge Richard Miadich to dismiss it from the lawsuit before trial.
    Jordan Rau, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Implore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/implore. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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