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 Worship centers on prayer, the reading and preaching of scripture, congregational singing, and the celebration of the Eucharist. — Stephanie Triplettall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 On the other hand, Hardwick quotes the leader of another troupe, who argues that kuda kepang performances should not include Islamic prayers. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 7 Aug. 2026 His research has included brain scans of people in prayer, meditation, rituals, and trance states, as well as surveys of people's spiritual experiences and attitudes. — Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026 The family also expressed gratitude to everyone who has reached out with prayers, kind messages, and support. — Malik Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 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
  • The petition was launched on Canada's parliamentary petitions portal, where citizens and residents of Canada can set up petitions to parliament.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But House Republican leader Vincent Candelora, who led the petition drive to defeat MacCormack, said fellow Republicans will continue to work against him.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • The old gods must have heard her plea, because all of a sudden, there’s sunshine in Harrenhal.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The government pushed forward with its exit policy despite pleas to hold off from industry associations who said their members need the Haitian workers to help sustain operations.
    — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • Representatives for Britney, Jamie, and Lynne Spears did not immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly’s request for comment.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This data empowers stronger salary negotiations, enabling employees to support their requests with market evidence and demonstrated impact.
    — Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • He was sentenced to death in 1986, won an appeal for a new sentencing hearing and was again sentenced to death in 1989.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The mish-mash of different stands, for instance, at Harrogate Town’s Wetherby Road — now no longer part of the ’92’, following their relegation in May— gave the place a certain appeal, even though the National League felt a more natural home.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • Co-founded by Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter and entrepreneurs Brian Lee and Jesse Glass, Arena Club merges the physical and digital worlds of trading cards in a way that allows hobbyists to grade, collect, invest and sell on their app.
    — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike many other license-plate reader vendors, Basterrechea said, the data that Axon’s cameras collect is owned by the law enforcement agency itself.
    — Rose Evans July 23, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 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 Aug. 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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