Synonyms for

Pray

Verb / preɪ / Another word for pray — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to speak to God or a deity, especially to give thanks or ask for help

Synonyms & similar words

implore beg worship beseech entreat implore petition plead supplicate appeal beg crave invoke solicit request ask importune adjure invocate obtest

Synonyms by register

Formal

supplicate implore beseech

Informal

ask wish hope plead

Literary

invoke entreat implore

Antonyms

disbelieve doubt ignore neglect refuse reject

Common collocations

  • pray for
  • pray to
  • pray for mercy
  • pray for guidance
  • pray for peace
  • pray for strength
  • pray without ceasing

Word family

noun prayer
verb pray
adjective praying

Usage note

While 'pray' can be used generally to mean 'hope' or 'wish,' its primary meaning involves religious supplication. Using it informally for 'hope' can sometimes sound archaic or overly dramatic.

Example sentences

  1. I pray that my grandma gets better soon.
  2. My family prays before every meal.
  3. Sometimes I pray for good weather on the weekends.
  4. I pray for peace in the world.
  5. She stopped to pray at the church.

Quotes

  • Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. - Mahatma Gandhi
  • Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can't imagine. - Kathleen Norris
  • Prayer is not asking God to do something about the situation; prayer is asking God to do something in you. - Michael Beckwith

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