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
  • Judge Ranjan identified several problems with MET’s claims, including MET’s allegation that UA engaged in false advertising by portraying Celliant as having the FDA’s blessing.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026
  • The Italian side opted not to take up the option at the end of his time there — which turned out to be a blessing in disguise for both Tottenham and Postecoglou.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of blessing
Noun
  • Those with felony drug convictions face SNAP benefit bans for six months or, in some cases, lifetime bans.
    — Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • The strongest benefits appeared when participants took at least 600 milligrams daily for eight weeks or longer.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 18, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026
Definition of benefit
Noun
  • For many who are caught in, recovering from or trying to avoid the next heatwave, their prayers for rain might well be answered.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 13 July 2026
  • As Wabasha grieves, Hust said coming together in prayer and support is the first step in what will be a long healing process.
    — Ashley Grams, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of prayer
Noun
  • The acceleration of technology has been a boon for the world of history, creating new ways to reach audiences hungry to learn more about the past.
    — Paul Buccieri, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
  • The biggest boon for the company in the quarter may have been soaring gas prices resulting from the war in Iran.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of boon
Noun
  • Some of its greatest gifts arrive disguised as boredom — an afternoon with nothing scheduled, a bike pointed toward a friend’s house, a library book that unexpectedly becomes impossible to put down.
    — Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 16 July 2026
  • Federal Election Commission filings released Wednesday night show the CEO personally donated $1 million in May to Public First, the super PAC pushing for mandatory AI safety rules—his largest political gift on record.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 July 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 19 Jul. 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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