benediction

noun

ˌbe-nə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce benediction (audio)
Definition of benedictionnext
1
as in blessing
a prayer calling for divine care, protection, or favor the priest offered a benediction for the missing children

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in benefit
something that provides happiness or does good for a person or thing the library's silence was a welcome benediction to someone, like me, who needed to concentrate

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of benediction There also will be a student reading of King’s work; live performances, including gospel music by Sherri Orr; the presentation of the 2026 Beloved Community Awards; and a benediction by Chaplain Kelly Figueroa-Ray. — Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 16 Jan. 2026 Ice Cube and Pitbull did a few numbers, and Smith was there to deliver a benediction. — Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026 The ancient monastery clings to the rock face, suspended between earth and sky like a benediction. — Shunali Khullar Shroff, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Nov. 2025 In her farewell, Sarah gave him a fitting benediction. — Jasmine Baehr , Jennifer Griffin, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for benediction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benediction
  1. blessing
  2. benefit
  3. prayer
  4. boon
  5. gift
Noun
  • Lauder became synonymous with the political issue, and Bloomberg later ran for a third mayoral term only after the cosmetics heir gave his blessing.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • However, color-curious homeowners might be itching to go against convention—and French gives you her blessing to think outside of the box.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of blessing
Noun
  • Soak for 30 minutes to absorb the bath’s therapeutic benefits which include releasing tension, cleansing your skin, and relaxing your body.
    — Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • This financing reflects our focus on supporting experienced operators developing essential infrastructure with strong underlying economics and measurable environmental benefits.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of benefit
Noun
  • The unknowable force that does not lend itself to hope, prayer, diligent actions, good intentions or rigorous effort.
    — Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Please keep her family, her fellow deputies, and the entire Lexington County community in your prayers.
    — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of prayer
Noun
  • Going into the negotiation with Romo on CBS’ side instead of on Disney’s roster was considered a boon to the Tiffany Network.
    — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Crumb said that a road system where all users feel comfortable would ultimately be a financial boon for the city.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of boon
Noun
  • Trees are more than a gift to communities, according to new research from the University of Illinois and Professor William Sullivan's team.
    — Tara Molina, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • People may respond more warmly to you, but the real gift is feeling more at home in your own presence.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of gift

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Cite this Entry

“Benediction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benediction. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on benediction

Nglish: Translation of benediction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about benediction

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