as in begging
to make a request to (someone) in an earnest or urgent manner
I pray you: tell me where they went
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Recent Examples of praying
In the meantime, Perez is praying for an Easter miracle.
—
Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Community praying for restart of weekend meals program Teachers and administrators at Children's Place Preschool on Longshore Avenue call the meals a blessing.
—Mike Spatocco, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Then, there’s another approach, which is almost like praying or meditating without wanting to sound too occult.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Another ancient tradition is the extensive prayers of the faithful, interspersed with genuflections, which today include intentions as varied as praying for the pope, for the Jewish people, and for those who do not believe in God.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Grasso knelt off to the side, praying.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 31 Mar. 2026
All of their gods and prayers and dances are aimed to praying for the Earth, giving back to the Earth, praying for rain, praying for good crops.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
All of their gods and prayers and dances are aimed to praying for the Earth, giving back to the Earth, praying for rain, praying for good crops.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2026
The goal is for soldiers and families on their knees praying — in schools — to a Christian God.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Community praying for restart of weekend meals program Teachers and administrators at Children's Place Preschool on Longshore Avenue call the meals a blessing.
—Mike Spatocco, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Then, there’s another approach, which is almost like praying or meditating without wanting to sound too occult.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Another ancient tradition is the extensive prayers of the faithful, interspersed with genuflections, which today include intentions as varied as praying for the pope, for the Jewish people, and for those who do not believe in God.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Grasso knelt off to the side, praying.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 31 Mar. 2026
All of their gods and prayers and dances are aimed to praying for the Earth, giving back to the Earth, praying for rain, praying for good crops.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
All of their gods and prayers and dances are aimed to praying for the Earth, giving back to the Earth, praying for rain, praying for good crops.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2026
The goal is for soldiers and families on their knees praying — in schools — to a Christian God.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for praying
Verb
-
Rebounding has also been a consistent problem for UConn, and the Huskies’ assistant coaches spent time in nearly every huddle during the Final Four matchup begging the team to commit to boxing out and fighting for boards.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Some fans are crying their eyes violet over their disappointment, while others are begging critics to get a grip.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Hickenlooper and Bennet skipped the assembly in favor of petitioning onto the ballot.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The family is petitioning Israeli courts to get it back.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Praying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/praying. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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