ENTREAT Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of entreat are adjure , beg , beseech , implore , importune , and supplicate . While all these words mean "to ask urgently," entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance. // entreated me to join them

Q: When could 'adjure' be used to replace 'entreat'?

The words adjure and entreat can be used in similar contexts, but adjure implies advising as well as pleading. // we were adjured to tell the truth

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

Although the words beg and entreat have much in common, beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking. // they begged for help

Q: How are the words 'beseech' and 'implore' related as synonyms of 'entreat'?

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety. // I beseech you to have mercy // implored her not to leave him

Q: Where would 'importune' be a reasonable alternative to 'entreat'?

While the synonyms importune and entreat are close in meaning, importune suggests an annoying persistence in trying to break down resistance to a request. // importuning viewers for contributions

Q: In what contexts can 'supplicate' take the place of 'entreat'?

The synonyms supplicate and entreat are sometimes interchangeable, but supplicate suggests a posture of humility. // with bowed heads they supplicated their Lord

entreat

verb

in-ˈtrēt

Definition of entreat

as in to beg

to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner she began her letter by entreating me to forgive the belatedness of her reply

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How is the word entreat distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of entreat are adjure, beg, beseech, implore, importune, and supplicate. While all these words mean "to ask urgently," entreat implies an effort to persuade or to overcome resistance.

entreated me to join them

When could adjure be used to replace entreat?

The words adjure and entreat can be used in similar contexts, but adjure implies advising as well as pleading.

we were adjured to tell the truth

When is beg a more appropriate choice than entreat?

Although the words beg and entreat have much in common, beg suggests earnestness or insistence in the asking.

they begged for help

How are the words beseech and implore related as synonyms of entreat?

Both beseech and implore imply a deeply felt anxiety.

I beseech you to have mercy

implored her not to leave him

Where would importune be a reasonable alternative to entreat?

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

importuning viewers for contributions

In what contexts can supplicate take the place of entreat?

The synonyms supplicate and entreat are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 entreat During a wintry white-out, Kris drives to her home to hopefully entreat Billy to star in the remake Kris is developing, which is meant to wipe the slate clean of the many bad sequels and reboots. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 May 2026 Baldwin makes clear that both Hella and David are aware of this loss of affection—that Hella still loves David and entreats him to talk to her and to be honest about the feelings that have come between them. — Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Maduro became president of Venezuela in 2013, after his predecessor, Hugo Chávez, entreated his supporters to vote Maduro into office after his death. — Essence, 6 Jan. 2026 When Lord Ashford’s guests gather at the grounds to watch the trial, Ser Duncan gives a stirring speech about the stalwart Ser Arlan’s proud example, entreating the nobles in the crowd to fight with him and prove their courage and honor. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entreat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entreat

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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entraps

entreat

entreated

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

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