benison

noun

ˈbe-nə-sən How to pronounce benison (audio)
Definition of benisonnext
as in blessing
a prayer calling for divine care, protection, or favor during the harbor festival the parish priest offered a benison for the local fishermen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 benison Again, not a bad gag, except that Vance, without ado, then pivoted and stiffened into piety, explaining how the touch of God had granted him the benison of a decent sleep before his speech. — Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 25 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benison
  1. blessing
  2. prayer
  3. benediction
Noun
  • This, in some ways, could be a blessing for Harry and Meghan and a curse for those in royal circles.
    — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Pope Leo revealed the discovery of the growth on his lung during his Sunday noon prayer — which was broadcast to the world on live television — almost as an aside toward the end of his blessing.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of blessing
Noun
  • The Vatican said the pope is scheduled to recite the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment on Sunday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Another chorus of thoughts and prayers Members of the Bend community gathered downtown in Drake Park on Thursday evening for a prayer vigil to support each other and grieve.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of prayer
Noun
  • The program will close with a benediction followed by a white dove release.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
  • Offering a ‘benediction’ for my readers from my writing desk on one of the gayest places on earth felt on-brand and honest for what my life looks like today.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
Definition of benediction

Browse Nearby Words

benignity
benison
benisons
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Cite this Entry

“Benison.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benison. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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