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 Thank you all for your outpouring of love, well wishes, and healing prayers. — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 The cousin had made it to the top of the suicide-bomber list at Menagh, said his prayers, and taken his position behind the driver’s seat in a truck full of explosives. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 The comments are all universally positive and supportive, with followers offering prayers and words of encouragement , including former athletes such as Troy Aikman, Kenny Lofton and Teemu Selane. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Any parent who's had to leave their baby in a NICU knows this father's pain and has whispered those same prayers. — Juli McDonald, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Please keep his family, friends, and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2026 Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kim, and the entire Franchione family. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 As dawn breaks on Vijayadashami, the final rituals for the goddess Durga are performed and prayers are invoked. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026 The reporters would ask questions about the latest intrigue, while the pilgrims would ask for prayers and blessings. — Scott Detrow, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prayers
  1. petitions
  2. appeals
  3. orisons
  4. pleas
  5. requests
Noun
  • In September 2025, the administration introduced a $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions for workers hired from abroad.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Microsoft was a close fourth at 21,706 petitions for 2026, with a median base salary of $180,710.
    — CJ Haddad, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of petitions
Noun
  • The appeals panel also vacated convictions stemming from accusations that Wahhaj and his brother-in-law were preparing for attacks against the government.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson was able to avoid a fine worth $13,611 that was handed down by the NFL through some creative defendant work in an NFL appeals process.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 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 union forged ahead earlier this year despite pleas from fellow Democrats to drop the measure.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Audio recordings of her desperate pleas for help to Palestinian paramedics were heard around the world.
    — Ciara Moran, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of pleas
Noun
  • DeWees has gone to the county three times with requests for money from the opioid settlement, for meals and ad-hoc support for Breath of Life members.
    — Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026
  • One measurable improvement came in its backlog of service requests.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 7 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 15 Oct. 2026.

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