as in amulet
something worn or kept to bring good luck or keep away evil he wore a small phylactery on a cord around his neck

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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 phylactery Under the chin was the amulet, also known as a phylactery, likely worn around the person's neck. Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024 Known as a phylactery, this type of amulet served as a kind of container to hold objects believed to be imbued with magical properties that were intended to protect the wearer. Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 Popular images of Jewish men worshiping at the wall in prayer shawls and phylacteries show only a small stretch of the ancient retaining wall for the Temple Mount. David M. Halbfinger, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phylactery
Noun
  • Brides in South Asia are famously decked out in the precious metal – necklaces, earrings, nose rings, hair pieces and amulets – that can be gifted or inherited.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Last year, archaeologists found 337 coins – many containing a Cleopatra image – along with oil lamps, an amulet, and vessels for storing food and cosmetics.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That night on the red carpet, Bigelow pulled out the dinosaur and held it too, like a talisman.
    Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Rooted in symbolism, her jewelry motifs serve as modern-day talismans celebrating luck, love and protection.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Phylactery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phylactery. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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