suppliants

Those begging mercy

Suppliants are people who ask humbly and earnestly for something, typically from someone in a position of power.

The word carries a sense of desperation or submission—suppliants don't demand, they petition: Suppliants gathered at the temple gates, hoping for the king's mercy.

The term appears most often in literary or historical contexts, describing those who throw themselves on another's compassion.

hierarchical

subordinates

Those ranked below

inferiorsThose of lower rank
dependentsPeople financially supported
vassalsFeudal subordinates owing service

subjects · servants · beggars · mendicants · needy · humble · lowly · desperate · imploring · entreating

political

petitioners

Those making formal requests

refugeesPeople seeking safety elsewhere
appellantsThose challenging lower rulings
envoysOfficial diplomatic representatives

delegates · emissaries · ambassadors · displaced · clemency · pardon · amnesty · sanctuary · protection · plea

religious

petitioners

Those making formal requests

devoteesPassionate adherents
pilgrimsReligious journey takers
worshippersThose who revere religiously

penitents · seekers · faithful · prostrate · altar · shrine · temple · prayer · intercession · blessing

classical

Aeschylus

Father of tragedy

tragedyDisastrous or sorrowful event
chorusSingers performing together
GreekOf Athenian origin

dramatic · theatrical · asylum · sanctuary · refuge · Argos · Zeus · altar · ritual · sacred

suppliants

subordinates

petitioners

petitioners

Aeschylus

suppliants

Opposites

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