pray

verb

ˈprā How to pronounce pray (audio)
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

Synonyms of pray

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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.
Police describe what seems to be a phone tree the church members use to call on the congregation to pray and go to the family’s home — sometimes before the death, sometimes after. — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026 In October, Parton spoke candidly in a video message that was released after her sister raised concerns by publicly asking fans to pray for the singer. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Each nude, life-size creation represents a mother, wife, sister or other female relative in her darkest grief -- weeping, praying, screaming, collapsing. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Native American tribes across California have hosted Big Time gatherings for millennia, creating a space for the communities to pray together, find spiritual and physical healing, trade and sell goods and meet up with old friends and family members. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing pray

Rhymes for pray

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Browse Nearby Words

Praxiteles
pray
praya
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Cite this Entry

“Pray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pray. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pray

verb
ˈprā How to pronounce pray (audio)
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
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