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 Throughout the first six months of the war, the widespread response to Iranian attacks was posting images of the flag, the crown prince, and a prayer for the country. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Their style of worship and theological teachings provided concrete tools, including practices such as prayer, fasting and sharing personal testimony, that relieved migrants’ suffering. — Johanna Bard Richlin, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 The Vatican said Leo will make his first public appearance on Sunday to deliver the traditional noontime prayer. — CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 The pope is expected to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer service on Sunday either from the hospital or the Vatican. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 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
  • Several opposition lawmakers and thousands of supporters marched through the capital and submitted a petition to the chief justice alleging irregularities in the nationwide revision of voter lists.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Two online petitions have also called for Sneed to resign, including one focused solely on her and another targeting all five board members who voted to fire Hill.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of petition
Noun
  • In addition to being barred from ever owning livestock again, Barr’s plea agreement prevents him from owning or living with any type of animal for 15 years, according to PETA.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The judge also cited the defendant’s guilty plea, which avoided a lengthy trial, his cooperation with police, lack of a criminal record and his remorsefulness as factors in her decision.
    — Menelaos Hadjicostis, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of plea
Noun
  • Customization requests through direct messages accounted for approximately 30 percent of first-year business.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The California secretary of state's office did not respond to requests for comment.
    — SAFIYAH RIDDLE, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of request
Noun
  • The ban remains in force, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hear a further appeal early next month.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In the appeal, the Cubs will be ready to counter these and other potential arguments.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of appeal
Noun
  • There are more at the edge than at the center, and this imbalance drives a current that graphite electrodes collect.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The issue arises when dust, pet dander, and other debris collect around the TV’s vents.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer

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