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 Each night, Erika, GG, and Mac recite prayers with Lori and tuck her into bed around seven and then go to say goodnight to Sheridan and Grace. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026 The Ducks scored five plays later, as Raiola lofted a prayer to the corner of the end zone that was answered by one of his wideouts, Dakorien Moore. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026 And Commanders coach Dan Quinn seemed to say a prayer for Chenal. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026 So everybody can take 60 seconds and have prayer or breathwork or a heart hug. — Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prayer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prayer
  1. petition
  2. plea
  3. request
  4. appeal
  5. collect
  6. thanksgiving
  7. orison
Noun
  • If Kagan let the appeal proceed, the Supreme Court would have had to block the $111 billion transaction while considering the petition.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026
  • By October 1, 2026, the Court had agreed to hear 29 cases (only 21 of which were then scheduled for oral argument) while continuing to evaluate numerous petitions for review.
    — Brian Duignan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • The union forged ahead earlier this year despite pleas from fellow Democrats to drop the measure.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • On July 23, 2025, Hippler sentenced him to four consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus another 10 years, as part of a plea deal in which Kohberger avoided the death penalty.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • The staff are friendly and are happy to facilitate requests like for in-room Peloton bikes, special calming playlists or local neighborhood tips.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Employers should also make checking a request part of the job.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • Stories about the British Royal Family have enduring international appeal.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Just suffice it to say that both of their projects have broad cross-generational appeal, although Dean’s timeless grooves might be more squarely in the pocket for older voters, whereas Rodrigo has a dad-rock factor going for her.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • There are more at the edge than at the center, and this imbalance drives a current that graphite electrodes collect.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The issue arises when dust, pet dander, and other debris collect around the TV’s vents.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of collect
Noun
  • In the letters that Wilson collected, there are countless appeals to God, prayers for help and understanding and prayers of thanksgiving for strength and mercy.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • In fact, some Thanksgivings have seen multiple balloons go down in the parade.
    — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Definition of thanksgiving
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 11 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

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