prayer

noun

ˈprer How to pronounce prayer (audio)
Definition of prayernext
1
as in petition
an address to God or a deity he always directed a bedside prayer to God before going to sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in plea
an earnest request we hope that the governor will hear our prayer and do something about this pressing problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 prayer Visitors arriving for 100th anniversary prayers Friday included people from different regions around Paris, those born in France or those who came over the decades from Algeria, Senegal and beyond. — ABC News, 18 July 2026 The music video shows Jelly arriving at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco, while reciting a prayer in a voiceover. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 At the beginning of Standing on the Corner II, a murky prayer arises through a break in the noise. — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026 During the group stage, the team from tiny Curaçao, after a 7-1 loss to Germany, circled in prayer on the pitch. — The Monitor’s Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prayer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prayer
  1. petition
  2. plea
  3. request
  4. appeal
  5. collect
  6. orison
Noun
  • The proposal takes aim at the state’s initiative petition process, the state’s century-old mechanism for direct democracy.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • According to city records, the Carnegie Boulevard petition was approved.
    — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • Each post has been circulated repeatedly with desperate pleas from bereaved owners and basic information about their beloved animals.
    — Anabella Gonzalez, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • Deborah Black had to pay $16,000 in restitution, while Victoria Wilson agreed to repay the city $12,000 in her plea deal.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • Ericson said the request to further explore Midland came from several sources.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Spokespersons for Paxton’s campaign and office and the Texas Tech system did not immediately return requests for comment.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • Building a free-flowing, attack-minded squad was the priority, but Keegan’s appeal stretched beyond the dressing room.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Few properties capture this boutique appeal quite like the Greek Revival estate Ashford Acres Inn, originally constructed in 1858.
    — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • The stickers come in packs that contain seven to eight stickers with different images to trade and collect.
    — Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026
  • The ideal gig worker collects, organizes, analyzes and interprets large datasets while identifying trends, patterns and opportunities for growth.
    — ByBryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026
Definition of collect
Noun
  • Kibandi discussed with us about the power of art in creating change and how photography can be a vehicle for culture expanding orisons for girls and women.
    — Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2025
Definition of orison

Browse Nearby Words

prayed
prayer
prayerful
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Cite this Entry

“Prayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prayer. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Nglish: Translation of prayer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

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