Definition of phylacterynext
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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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 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
  • Did you get picked because the amulet looked best with your outfit?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
  • At Tel Azeka, a little girl found a 3,800-year-old amulet tied to the Canaanite people.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • British Vogue reported that Nicola's mother, model Claudia Heffner, added an evil eye talisman to her daughter's wedding dress, along with a message stitched in blue.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Carved from whale bones, reindeer antlers and walrus tusks, these fierce talismans are vengeful spirits traditionally created by shamans to destroy enemies.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Phylactery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phylactery. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

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