1
as in blessing
a prayer calling for divine care, protection, or favor
the priest offered a benediction for the missing children
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in benefit
something that provides happiness or does good for a person or thing
the library's silence was a welcome benediction to someone, like me, who needed to concentrate
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 benediction
After the address, there will be benedictions by Rabbi Ari Berman, Imam Husham al Husainy, Senior Pastor Lorenzo Sewell and Reverend Father Frank Mann.
—
Graham Kates, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025
In this state of rapt immediacy even the striking of the clocks sounds like a benediction; empty time has been enriched.
—Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
The former President François Hollande, a Socialist who had long refused to associate with Mélenchon, emerged from political retirement to offer his benediction.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
Ennis has just repeated to Jack a few lines from his long-dead mother, to whom shows of affection did not come particularly naturally but whose spirit arises, nevertheless, to deliver a benediction that the living woman would have meant as mere domestic ritual.
—Michael Cunningham, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benediction
Graham Kates, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025
In this state of rapt immediacy even the striking of the clocks sounds like a benediction; empty time has been enriched.
—Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
The former President François Hollande, a Socialist who had long refused to associate with Mélenchon, emerged from political retirement to offer his benediction.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
Ennis has just repeated to Jack a few lines from his long-dead mother, to whom shows of affection did not come particularly naturally but whose spirit arises, nevertheless, to deliver a benediction that the living woman would have meant as mere domestic ritual.
—Michael Cunningham, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benediction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benediction
Noun
-
Vatican: Pope hopes to deliver blessing on Easter Pope Francis made a short and unannounced visit Saturday to St. Peter's Basilica to pray before this evening's Easter vigil and greet some of the faithful present.—
Phoebe Natanson,
ABC News,
19 Apr. 2025
-
In theory someone else could read the speech while Francis could impart the blessing.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Walking Can Protect Your Heart—And Overall Health Being physically active—whether that’s from walking, working out, gardening, or even doing household chores—offers significant heart-healthy benefits.—
Julia Ries,
Health,
25 Apr. 2025
-
For the record, only Congress can change your benefit amount.—
Thomas Hager,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The service will include prayer, scripture readings, communion, and worship music performed by an ensemble from Liberty University.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Apr. 2025
-
One Catholic church in Washington Heights has held prayers every day since the collapse.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Particularly in Southern California, home to the nation’s two largest ports, goods exchange with China — subject to the steepest of Trump’s tariff hikes — is a boon to local industry.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The endorsement was a boon to Mr. Cuomo, 67, and a blow to his rivals.—
Nicholas Fandos,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Absent legislative action, the estate and gift tax exemption will revert to approximately $7 million per person in 2026 (down from nearly $14 million in 2025).—
Matthew F. Erskine,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Officials cannot use funds to contribute to or support nonprofit organizations, for political activities or gifts of public funds.—
Tammy Murga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Benediction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benediction. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share