prayers

noun

plural of prayer
1
as in petitions
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 appeals
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 prayers Chris is a great friend to Connecticut and to me personally, and Annie and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026 Thanks for all of your well wishes and prayers along the way. — Alicia Brunker, InStyle, 31 Oct. 2026 Moreover, offering prayers in the White House is a tradition that has been observed by presidents of both parties for generations. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 My deepest condolences and prayers are with them, as well as with our first responders. — Jose Fabian, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The smiling, amiable android understands very little about her surroundings, believing that the sun (which recharges her batteries) is a deity that listens to her prayers to be chosen by a human. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 We're deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 On the third day, and again on the seventh, the deceased is remembered through prayers and memorial rites. — Shushan Karapetian, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prayers
  1. petitions
  2. appeals
  3. orisons
  4. pleas
  5. requests
Noun
  • Some members of Netanyahu’s governing coalition opposed the law, however, and right-wing opposition parties filed petitions to challenge it in court.
    — Hannah Ridge, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Members have protested through petitions and an 1,100-member boycott.
    — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of petitions
Noun
  • Even with the appeals and distractions of the intertidal world and a few early morning tongues of uni, our bags are still overflowing.
    — Joseph Ogilvy, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Hynes has said his relationship with the board — a quasi-judicial, three-member board that hears appeals to the assessor’s valuations — would be less adversarial than Kaegi’s.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of appeals
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 orisons
Noun
  • The suspect in Nebraska was detained pending trial after pleading not guilty, while the three suspects in New Jersey have not entered pleas.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • After hearing pleas from more than a dozen prominent community and business leaders, commissioners agreed to decertify the entertainment district and strip it of its special privileges.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pleas
Noun
  • Those requests range from support for new construction projects or upgrades, but more than half seek additional funds to shore up revenue for operating costs as budget woes persist.
    — Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Review requests, appointments, volunteer work and commitments for the coming days, weeks and months.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of requests

Browse Nearby Words

prayerfulness
prayers
praying
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prayers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prayers. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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