BESEECH Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of beseech are adjure , beg , entreat , implore , 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

Q: In what contexts can 'adjure' take the place of 'beseech'?

While in some cases nearly identical to beseech , adjure implies advising as well as pleading. // we were adjured to tell the truth

Q: When is 'beg' a more appropriate choice than 'beseech'?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'entreat' instead of 'beseech'?

The meanings of entreat and beseech largely overlap; however, entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance. // entreated me to join them

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

Although the words importune and beseech have much in common, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request. // importuning viewers for contributions

Q: Where would 'supplicate' be a reasonable alternative to 'beseech'?

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

beseech

verb

bi-ˈsēch

Definition of beseech

as in to beg

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner parishioners ardently beseeched the local bishop not to close their beloved church

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How is the word beseech distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of beseech are adjure, beg, entreat, implore, 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

In what contexts can adjure take the place of beseech?

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

we were adjured to tell the truth

When is beg a more appropriate choice than beseech?

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

they begged for help

When is it sensible to use entreat instead of beseech?

The meanings of entreat and beseech largely overlap; however, entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When could importune be used to replace beseech?

Although the words importune and beseech have much in common, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request.

importuning viewers for contributions

Where would supplicate be a reasonable alternative to beseech?

In some situations, the words supplicate and beseech 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 beseech As Clare Malone reported for The New Yorker, Woodward beseeched Bezos to intercede. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026 The play is set in a lecture hall in 1890, as Theo (played by Pasternak) recounts his memories of Vincent and beseeches the audience — and the world — to understand his brother. — Steve Palopoli, Mercury News, 2 May 2026 In the original sci-fi novel, Victor Frankenstein is beseeched by his creation to create a companion, but after being plagued by visions of what this second attempt may bring (namely the breeding of additional monsters), the scientist destroys the companion before it is brought to life. — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026 In September, Brazilian business leaders beseeched the Brazilian Academy of Cinema to nominate Marianna Brennand’s Manas as the country’s representative for the 98th Oscars over The Secret Agent. — Andy Crump, Time, 2 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beseech

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beseech

Verb

The premise is begging for those capable of delivering big expressions to capture what the F1 drama would have been like in the 1960s.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Rhaena goes to the Vale and begs Lady Jeyne Arryn for sanctuary, but the noblewoman wants nothing to do with her.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of beg

Verb

Florida can ask the full 11th Circuit to rehear the case or petition the Supreme Court to review it.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Thousands of residents petitioned for a national family day, and Svetlana Medvedeva, the wife of then-President Dmitry Medvedev, took up the cause.

— Diana Dukhanova, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Definition of petition

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berths

beseech

beseeched

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“Beseech.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beseech. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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