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 Iran’s top officials and brothers of the new supreme leader emerged into public view Sunday to attend funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. — Nasser Karimi, Fortune, 5 July 2026 Iranian state media showed throngs of people gathered at Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, a large prayer complex in Tehran, visiting the family's caskets. — Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 6 July 2026 Funeral includes prayers and calls for revenge Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani, a 97-year-old Shiite cleric, led the prayers at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla for Khamenei and his late family members. — Nasser Karimi, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 What happened Slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral procession began advancing through the streets of Tehran this morning after Sunday’s prayers at the capital’s sprawling Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla complex. — Peter Weber, TheWeek, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prayer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prayer
  1. petition
  2. plea
  3. request
  4. appeal
  5. collect
  6. orison
Noun
  • Congress for a time had stopped hearing anti-slavery petitions as too divisive.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • In addition to his restraining order, Tate also filed a petition to modify the terms of their divorce and custody agreement.
    — Sean Mandell, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • Ahead of the summit, Zelensky is using the attacks on Kyiv to renew his plea for allies to supply Ukraine with missiles for Patriot systems.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Robinson has not yet entered a plea, and his attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • The Interior Department did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request when asked on Friday if the panels will be replaced by the July 4 holiday this weekend.
    — Deena Zaru, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • This change was implemented at the request of the state's board of education.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • Those in the appeal process will be allowed to once again bill for services as the Department of Human Services reviews their claims; as of June 29, about 321 appeals had been completed.
    — Conor Wight, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Ireland Ireland offers a rare cross-generational appeal, where estate activities and rugged landscapes make for an ideal family itinerary.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • The stickers come in packs that contain seven to eight stickers with different images to trade and collect.
    — Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026
  • The ideal gig worker collects, organizes, analyzes and interprets large datasets while identifying trends, patterns and opportunities for growth.
    — ByBryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026
Definition of collect
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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Nglish: Translation of prayer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

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