1
as in list
a long stated list of things one after another
Nobody wants to deal with a coworker who repeats the same litany of complaints day after day.
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2
as in prayer
an address to a deity or religious figure
In Catholic tradition, the Litany of the Saints is commonly sung at Mass the night before Easter.
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Recent Examples of litany
Benicio Del Toro, 'Traffic' (2001) Steven Soderbergh's crime drama looks at the drug trade from various perspectives, and Del Toro's rock-steady performance is one of the highlights – a nice job amid a litany of not-always-nice characters.
—
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Sheriff Garry McFadden overcame a litany of scandals and a criminal investigation on Tuesday night, fending off challengers in the race for sheriff, according to unofficial election results.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
Since then, inspectors continued to find a litany of problems inside the jail, including mildew and lack of food.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
That fluctuation of hormones causes this whole litany of symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, joint pain, dry skin, brittle hair, hair loss, so many things.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for litany
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Sheriff Garry McFadden overcame a litany of scandals and a criminal investigation on Tuesday night, fending off challengers in the race for sheriff, according to unofficial election results.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
Since then, inspectors continued to find a litany of problems inside the jail, including mildew and lack of food.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
That fluctuation of hormones causes this whole litany of symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, joint pain, dry skin, brittle hair, hair loss, so many things.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for litany
Recent Examples of Synonyms for litany
Noun
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The legislation aims to ease the nation’s housing shortage and lower costs — issues that top the list of voter concerns.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
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The list gradually grows in complexity as the narrator gets older.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
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All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
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This is a listing for 'This Week' airing Sunday, March 8, 2026.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Genuine compliments move work forward with steady grace.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
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Dowman brought an element of grace to the game, but the willingness of his opponents to put a foot in provided necessary lessons too.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As his invocations crescendoed, so did the music behind him and the Legacy Mass Choir broke into a rousing gospel performance to start the homegoing services.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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For an artist who has spent a lifetime collapsing the distance between art and life, this director’s cut is both summation and fresh invocation.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Litany.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/litany. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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