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
  • Additional discoveries include scarabs inscribed with the names of kings and deities, together with amulets for protection, fertility, and strength, reflecting the political and religious structures of the time.
    — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The Rahvi lights, meanwhile, are adorned with jewelry-like amulets of semiprecious stones.
    — Sean Santiago, Architectural Digest, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of amulet
Noun
  • The polished green tourmaline of her Bulgari choker shone like some kind of enchanted talisman.
    — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Believers wore them on strings around their necks as talismans against illness and injury.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 22 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 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on phylactery

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phylactery

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