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phylactery

noun

fə-ˈlak-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce phylactery (audio)
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
  1. amulet
  2. talisman
Noun
  • The Rahvi lights, meanwhile, are adorned with jewelry-like amulets of semiprecious stones.
    — Sean Santiago, Architectural Digest, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Since these figures have been found in excavations of homes, streets, and tombs, it is believed they were used as everyday objects, perhaps to promote fertility or used as children’s toys or household amulets.
    — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of amulet
Noun
  • And thankfully for Leipzig head coach Martin Demichelis, Nusa remains at the club and will be expected to become their attacking talisman in the Champions League.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Picture frames, plants, and talismans cover all available wall and table space.
    — Emma Watson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of talisman

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phylacteries
phylactery
physiatrist
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Cite this Entry

“Phylactery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phylactery. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on phylactery

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phylactery

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