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

Relevance
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
  • Six years ago when Truist put its name and logo on top of its uptown headquarters at the former Hearst Tower, the building’s architect called it vandalism and a petition pleaded take it down.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Although a group of Somerset parents came to the city several years ago with a petition to let the school use the youth center’s fields for PE, a deal was never made, according to city officials.
    — Michelle Marchante September 28, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • Ramanan entered a plea agreement last year and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026
  • York had a cellphone returned to him, but the $160 that police confiscated from him was given to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea agreement.
    — Erick Mendoza, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • The event was held at the request of Epoch AI, an organization that benchmarks the progress of artificial intelligence systems.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • David Peck, Pourharton’s attorney, told the Town Plan and Zoning Commission that his client’s business has created no reason for rejecting the request, noting that GG hasn’t been the scene of arrests or police activity.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • Guests will also receive a zine-style pamphlet with the same homespun appeal explaining each of the eight sections in RM’s words alongside a diagram of the room.
    — Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Ives, a long-time champion of the AI trade, said those appeals shouldn’t worry investors looking at the sector’s long-term viability.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prayer. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name tags
Words Named After People Quiz Find out who’s behind "leotard," "morphine," an...
See All