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
  • The first petition was dismissed in late 2025 and the second one was dismissed in May.
    — Riley Moser, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Columbia is not just an enclave but a neighborhood within a neighborhood, a 36-acre concentration of urban activity — activity that has always included regular doses of protest, speechifying, electioneering, and petition waving.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • Despite Montagliani’s plea, Infantino arrived in the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean island, on Friday and met with local politicians and Jose Deschamps, head of the country’s football association.
    — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Giampa, who was indicted in December 2023, ultimately accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to life in prison.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • Hansen’s attorney, who is with the Post-Conviction Justice Project at University of Southern California Gould School of Law, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Securing passage for Iraqi tankers was also one of Baghdad’s main requests during Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s visit to Iraq, according to IRNA, with Iraq having been hard hit by the turmoil in the waterway.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • This week, during the same appeal hearing, prosecutors are mounting a separate argument that her prison sentence of 33 years with no parole isn’t long enough.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Powells, who have spent years returning to Sandals resorts, understand that appeal.
    — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

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