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 The smiling, amiable android understands very little about her surroundings, believing that the sun (which recharges her batteries) is a deity that listens to her prayers to be chosen by a human. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 We're deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 There was now a Kalshi Concourse in the arena, and outside, a content creator wearing a Kalshi T-shirt led a prayer circle before tip-off on Tuesday. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026 Receiving that crown of life comes through diligent prayer, and we are helped along the way at various checkpoints. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 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
  • The question is going to voters because opponents gathered petition signatures forcing a referendum.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Attorneys for Pro Silver Star sent the band a cease-and-desist letter on Thursday, the filing states, and a copy of the petition for the restraining order and injunction on Friday.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • Paz pleaded guilty without a plea agreement, according to the release.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Simeon, who had previously had his driver’s license revoked for driving 109 mph, was sentenced to 25 years in prison as a result of a plea agreement with prosecutors.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • When Wilson sent me her timeline, her request for the operative actions of the city (resolutions and ordinances) was nearly four weeks old.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Attorneys for the school district did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Star-Telegram.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • While not guaranteed, the appeal is likely to be taken back up by the same three-judge appellate panel who previously heard — and rejected — the administration’s emergency request to block state officials from counting the ballots.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Nasdaq's growing appeal stems in part from revisions to its index inclusion mechanisms and listing rules implemented earlier this year.
    — , CNBC, 28 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

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