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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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
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The old Latin Mass features readings and hymns in Latin with the priest facing the altar, his back to the faithful in the pews.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Longtime fans who adore her babymaker R&B anthems may be initially disappointed with the musical eclecticism.—
Mosi Reeves,
Rolling Stone,
13 Feb. 2026
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In addition, the anthems of each nation will not be played should any of the AINs take gold atop the podium for an event.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
6 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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The Psalms of the fifth century BC posited seventy years as the standard length of a human life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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Onscreen, contestants raced to solve word puzzles, spinning the wheel of fortune and following clues about Christmas carols.—
Oriana van Praag,
New Yorker,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canticles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canticles. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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