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 Before Johnson’s death, country star Riley Green shared a video message to her on social media, after one of her relatives shared a photo of Johnson posing with the singer at a past show and asked for prayers. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 McCoy has transformed his ordeal into a testimonial on faith and the power of prayer. — Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026 After some days of prayer, there was noticeable improvement in her legs, and a complete healing soon followed. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2026 Until its revival as an everyday, spoken language in the modern state of Israel, it was mostly reserved for prayers and religious writings. — Ilan Stavans, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 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
  • During an April 11, 2025, hearing, the prosecutor attempted to convince Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic that the state should be allowed to withdraw the petition for resentencing, USA TODAY previously reported.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The issue will be on the ballot if a petition filed with the city clerk is signed by 15% of qualified electors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • Clancy was tried in a Massachusetts court of law, one of the few venues where defendants such as Clancy enjoy the presumption of proof for pleas of insanity, once they are allowed to make such a plea.
    — Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Offering a plea deal or abandoning the prosecution The more unlikely options include the prosecution offering a plea deal to Clancy or dropping the case entirely.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, which doubles as the region’s medical examiner, did not immediately respond to a request for information.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
  • One of the sources said the GSA put out a public request for lease proposals that identifies 18 potential locations, requiring space for at least 10 courtrooms.
    — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • Tarkowski slid in from behind to stop a certain goal, with United’s penalty appeals waved away.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Such contradictions, that cats can be both domesticated and yet somewhat feral, is part of their appeal, says comedian Drennon Davis, whose four cats have found internet fame via his short-form videos.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • The issue arises when dust, pet dander, and other debris collect around the TV’s vents.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Saturday, Eyes Off Saint Paul, a group of concerned citizens, gathered at Mattocks Park and worked to make sure residents understand what Flock cameras collect.
    — Ubah Ali, CBS News, 22 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

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