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 comments are all universally positive and supportive, with followers offering prayers and words of encouragement , including former athletes such as Troy Aikman, Kenny Lofton and Teemu Selane. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 The blackout was daunting, the southside was loud, but prayers of more Sox October baseball will have to wait another day. — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Please keep his family, friends, and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2026 Inside the prayer hall, the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet unfurls with swirling floral patterns, and chandeliers echo date palms and blossoms. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 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
  • Several opposition lawmakers and thousands of supporters marched through the capital and submitted a petition to the chief justice alleging irregularities in the nationwide revision of voter lists.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Two online petitions have also called for Sneed to resign, including one focused solely on her and another targeting all five board members who voted to fire Hill.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

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