1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

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 The Moores used a lot of attentiveness — and prayer — to protect their son. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 Officers tried to move him to another cell, but the other men begged them not to, saying his song and prayer put their minds at ease. — Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026 Some communities across Gauteng, which includes Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, have held prayer services for the victims. — Mogomotsi Magome, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 In a Facebook video at the time, his wife, Carrie, and their children thanked people for their support and prayers. — ABC News, 17 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
  • Successful habeas petitions do not necessarily lead to quick resolutions.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The petition was filed in April 2025 and received more than 2,300 public comments.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • Saad Almoraisi was also charged in connection with two warrants charging him with sale of cannabis and possession of cannabis, as well as two warrants accusing him of failure to pay or plea to infractions.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Rios has not yet entered a plea and could not be reached for comment.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • The motif has since become one of the most recognizable features in British gunmaking, appearing on every bespoke gun unless a client requests otherwise.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • My appreciation to attractions officials, creative types, public relations folks and other experts who helped with facts, figures and fanciful requests.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • Only someone very comfortable, or very dishonest, would pretend the fantasy has no appeal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The friendly service, comfortable rooms and downtown location give it wide appeal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 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 25 Sep. 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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of tactile

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

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

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 25
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
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
image of the words cracker fly and sale arranged in a triangle with the word fire in the middle
Triple Play Quiz Find the word that pairs with each of the three g...
See All