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 Oliver and his family are asking for privacy and prayers during this difficult time, a source said. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2026 As their conversation wrapped up, Darrell gathered her daughter, Kenya, Wasserman Schultz and two campaign staffers into a prayer huddle. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 In prayer, God shows us that the distractions of the material senses have no authority. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 In the first photo, Lipa, 30, sports a black racerback maxi dress and smiles at the camera with her hands in a prayer position. — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 21 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
  • Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni settlement agreement revealed Liman ultimately dismissed the suit and granted Lively's petition to have Baldoni foot the bill for attorneys costs and fees accrued during the proceedings.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Keller school board candidate Barbara Brewer organized a petition drive against the project.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • Even though Vaughn's initial plea was not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, and a mental status exam was ordered, no pretrial tests were done.
    — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
  • For good measure, Pabst’s social media updates took a tongue-in-cheek approach that may have actually convinced people the posts were more playful than actual pleas for help.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • The event’s organizers did not respond to The Associated Press' interview requests.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Hoffenberg, a Democrat, is running for a Cook County Board seat against Republican Liz Gorman, who filed FOIA requests for the video footage.
    — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • His screen appeal combines a mix of swagger and self-deprecating, and at times evokes (a taller) Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Can Kushner’s billions of dollars and unlimited access deliver the kind of magnetic appeal that began with the Showtime Lakers in 1979?
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 26 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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