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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 Before Johnson’s death, country star Riley Green shared a video message to her on social media, after one of her relatives shared a photo of Johnson posing with the singer at a past show and asked for prayers. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 McCoy has transformed his ordeal into a testimonial on faith and the power of prayer. — Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026 After some days of prayer, there was noticeable improvement in her legs, and a complete healing soon followed. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2026 Until its revival as an everyday, spoken language in the modern state of Israel, it was mostly reserved for prayers and religious writings. — Ilan Stavans, The Conversation, 31 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
  • On Friday, several voters who signed a referendum petition putting the new congressional district map to a statewide vote in November filed suit seeking class-action status for monetary damages against Hoskins.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
  • After receiving a complaint about how write-in votes were combined, the office conducted its own retabulation, according to the petition.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 14 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
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The White House did not respond to a request for comment on her criticism of the president or his team.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • The visits tend to energize the base ahead of the midterms and may also broaden congressional candidates’ appeal.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In its 35th season, DWTS continues to evolve while retaining the particular mix of spectacle, competition, and camp that gives it a cross-generational appeal.
    — Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 16 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

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