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
  • An international team of roughly 60 researchers from 13 countries was excavating the site when the amulet was discovered.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Filled with '90s nostalgia and amulets lifted straight from the original film, this collection spans necklaces, charms, rings, earrings and more, all imbued with the spirit of the Owens sisters' supernatural beauty and charisma.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of amulet
Noun
  • Something of a memento mori, the necklace flips the script on the beetle's role as the harbinger of untimely death in the original film and becomes instead a protective talisman for its wearer.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In a post-Bruno Guimaraes world, Newcastle are searching for a new talisman.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 20 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on phylactery

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phylactery

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