pray

verb

ˈprā How to pronounce pray (audio)
Definition of praynext
as in to beg
to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner I pray you: tell me where they went

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 pray In response to that post, fans shared messages of support for Chenal, praying for a full recovery. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026 Leo arrived in Lourdes from Paris on Saturday night and immediately prayed inside the Grotto of Apparitions and drank from the spring. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 These are the moments, the opportunities, the games every NFL youngster, backup, fringe roster player prays for. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026 The space was revamped for a community to come together, pray, play and build lasting memories. — Ubah Ali, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pray
  1. beg
  2. petition
Verb
  • These little light strips are just begging to be tinkered with.
    — Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
  • All season long, Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase has been begging her team to empty the tank.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of beg
Verb
  • The footage was released Friday after news outlets, including ABC News, petitioned the court.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The law, which initially took effect July 1, allows individuals convicted of other misdemeanors and some nonviolent felonies to petition the court to seal their records.
    — Liam Bowman, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of petition

Browse Nearby Words

prattling
pray
prayed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pray. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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