1
as in blessing
a prayer calling for divine care, protection, or favor
the priest offered a benediction for the missing children
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Wickersham listens to his friend describe his strengths, and hears it in a benediction.
—
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
In her farewell, Sarah gave him a fitting benediction.
—Jasmine Baehr , Jennifer Griffin, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The dedication concluded with a Luiseño closing benediction from Diania Caudell, followed by a community barbecue—symbolizing fellowship and shared purpose.
—Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
What a stimulus and benediction even to meet with for a day!
—Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benediction
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
In her farewell, Sarah gave him a fitting benediction.
—Jasmine Baehr , Jennifer Griffin, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The dedication concluded with a Luiseño closing benediction from Diania Caudell, followed by a community barbecue—symbolizing fellowship and shared purpose.
—Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
What a stimulus and benediction even to meet with for a day!
—Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benediction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benediction
Noun
-
With the blessing of Byers and basketball committee chairman Gavitt, the three parties — NCAA, CBS, and the Hyatt — shook hands.—
Bill Hancock,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The hardcore frontman got married not long ago, so those blessings are definitely bountiful.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
According to county data, Kirk received a total compensation of $201,062 in 2023, including benefits and overtime.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Attendees said health benefits cut deeply into teachers’ paychecks, exacerbating turnover.—
Emma Hall,
Sacbee.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Tim Pennington called again that evening, Bell said, to ask for prayers as his son's condition was worsening, and then later told him the soldier had succumbed to his injuries.—
ALLEN G. BREED,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
-
With a defense-first lineup stuck on the floor and no opportunity to advance the ball, the Nuggets had no choice but to settle for a 60-foot prayer by Gordon at the buzzer.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Russian President Vladimir Putin may have lost another Kremlin-friendly leader, but the Iran war could prove a long-term boon for his country, whose economy is dependent on energy exports.—
Yuliya Talmazan,
NBC news,
10 Mar. 2026
-
This can be a boon to the auditioners.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The gift was designated to further advance and highlight essential and high-level glioblastoma research at UC San Diego, in addition to inspiring others to follow suit and ultimately contribute to this critical and developing area of medical research.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The drone attack killed nine people, including three children, and injured at least eight others as the leader of the Simon Pele gang prepared to distribute gifts to children in the area.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Benediction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benediction. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
