as in hymns
a religious song
the monks offered up a canticle at dawn on Easter morning
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Recent Examples of canticles
Gustave Doré, the celebrated French illustrator, did elaborate engravings for the three canticles in the mid-19th century and devoted 99 out of 135 of them to Dante Alighieri’s darkest scenes.
—
Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canticles
Noun
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Instead, the words written in her autobiography served as the guide for the two-hour service filled with hymns and scriptures, as Christ Episcopal Church rector Father Jonathan Archer read a passage from the book which was published in 2000 during her memorial on Friday.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
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Accompanied by ringing bells, ethereal music and chanting hymns, the priests gracefully moved their arms in unison, holding up various flaming brass lamps during the 45-minute serene and powerful ritual.—
Norma Meyer,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Lulu, whose big numbers are anthems of empowerment and friendship, is given room to really shine in this show, and Abraham does.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
27 Feb. 2026
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Arranged and produced by the artist herself along with her husband and guitarist, Paolo Carta, the song showcases a more provocative and refreshing side of the Italian superstar, better known in the Spanish-speaking world for her pop anthems and romantic ballads.—
Natalia Cano,
Billboard,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Like a typical Catholic Mass, scriptures, psalms and gospels will be read and the Holy Communion will be given.—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
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Revisit our review of Paul Simon’s last album, Seven Psalms.—
Kiana Mickles,
Pitchfork,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Each year, Music Hall fills with twinkling lights, the sound of nostalgic carols and the joy of thousands of audience members at Holiday Pops.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
26 Feb. 2026
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During the Christmas holidays, children from the village comes to sing South Tyrolean carols in exchange for sweet treats, a local tradition that’s sort of like a South Tyrolean Halloween.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canticles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canticles. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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