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 Colorful prayer flags and string lights lined the outdoor patio where co-founder Biplaw Rai welcomed the event’s first guests and handed out a survey to capture their thoughts. — Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Aug. 2026 Pearson asked for prayers for her niece and for the shooting suspect. — Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026 DeBoer visited his alma mater in the spring and also sent students a video this week thanking them for their support and prayers. — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The march opened with prayer and statements from Interfaith Alliance representatives. — Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 28 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
  • Under Ohio law, a postconviction petition must generally be filed within 365 days after the trial transcript is filed in the court of appeals.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Shares for gambling operators DraftKings and FanDuel's parent company Flutter Entertainment, were both up by more than 5% after New Jersey filed its petition.
    — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 2 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
  • Now, in the midst of a subdued market, investors are being more selective, and the new playbook for funding fashion has a lot to do with the quality of that growth, the depth of connection with customers and the founder’s individual appeal.
    — Tara Donaldson, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Lucas chose to accept his execution and waive further appeals after DeSantis signed his death warrant in July.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 2 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

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