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
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Recent Examples of prayers
Heavy explosions shook Dubai early Friday as air defenses intercepted incoming fire over the city, where people were observing Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and mosques made the day's first call to prayers.
—
CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
In a statement, the Gracey family asked for prayers and privacy.
—Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
Muslim worshippers attended early morning prayers for Eid al-Fitr today in Jerusalem, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
My heart and prayers are with his family.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
In an Instagram post Friday announcing his death, his family thanked fans for their prayers.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
Eid is typically greeted with joy and excitement and is marked with prayers and festivities that include family visits, gatherings, outings and new clothes.
—ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
When the killings started in 2016, clergy were the first responders, often called upon to say prayers for the dead and preside over funerals.
—Sheila Coronel, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Athleta has answered my prayers with these Skyline High-rise Shorts.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026
CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
In a statement, the Gracey family asked for prayers and privacy.
—Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
Muslim worshippers attended early morning prayers for Eid al-Fitr today in Jerusalem, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
My heart and prayers are with his family.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
In an Instagram post Friday announcing his death, his family thanked fans for their prayers.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
Eid is typically greeted with joy and excitement and is marked with prayers and festivities that include family visits, gatherings, outings and new clothes.
—ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
When the killings started in 2016, clergy were the first responders, often called upon to say prayers for the dead and preside over funerals.
—Sheila Coronel, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Athleta has answered my prayers with these Skyline High-rise Shorts.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prayers
Noun
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The petitions to put the issue to voters are part of a wave of new ballot initiatives designed to bypass state legislatures.—
Daniel Wu,
Washington Post,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Kevin Koukol filed to be a write-in candidate after a judge removed him from the board for writing the wrong district number on his petitions.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Wacocha said the appeals process could take anywhere from weeks to months.—
Jason Rantala,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Anglo‑Saxon England converted to Christianity over the seventh century, so some of the charms included appeals to Jesus, Mary, and the apostles.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
Noun
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Boilermakers International President Timothy Simmons did not respond to a request for comment about Monday’s guilty pleas.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
17 Mar. 2026
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In Tallahassee, lawmakers have largely balked at her pleas for more formal cooperation and investment with NASA.—
Katelyn Ferral,
Miami Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Office of Management and Budget did not respond to multiple requests for comment from NPR about the reason for the delay in application information for grantees.—
Selena Simmons-Duffin,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
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Through the season, Peterson’s relationship with his father — who declined multiple interview requests for this story — has come under the microscope.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prayers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prayers. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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