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pray

verb

prayed; praying; prays
Synonyms of praynext

transitive verb

1
: entreat, implore
often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea
pray be careful
2
: to get or bring by praying

intransitive verb

1
: to make a request in a humble manner
2
: to address God or a god with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving

Examples of pray in a Sentence

There's little else to do now but hope and pray. The minister said, “Let us pray.” He prayed that they would have the strength to go on. He prayed that he would find a parking spot.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As congregants take their seats, the praying voice of the late rapper fills the sanctuary. Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2026 Citizens have had their front doors blown out, been hit with pepper balls for praying outside government facilities, been wrongfully charged with assaulting agents, and have seen their identification papers dismissed as fake and thus grounds for detainment. Gustavo Arellano, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026 The Walk for Peace has drawn crowds at stops along the way, with people traveling from other states to meet the monks, pray with them and receive blessing cords, The Charlotte Observer reported. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026 Try to get a good contest and pray. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pray

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French prier, praer, preier, from Latin precari, from prec-, prex request, prayer; akin to Old High German frāga question, frāgēn to ask, Sanskrit pṛcchati he asks

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pray was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pray. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

pray

verb
1
: to ask earnestly : beg
I pray you, tell me where they went
2
: to address God with adoration, confession, pleading, or thanksgiving

Legal Definition

pray

transitive verb
: to ask for
plaintiff prays judgment against the defendants
used especially in pleadings

intransitive verb

: to make a request of a court especially in a complaint or petition
complainant prays for declaratory relief

More from Merriam-Webster on pray

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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