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
Outside, the protesters sang hymns and chanted prayers and held signs and images of the Virgin Mary.
—
Adam Harrington, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Another ancient tradition is the extensive prayers of the faithful, interspersed with genuflections, which today include intentions as varied as praying for the pope, for the Jewish people, and for those who do not believe in God.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
In addition to the show’s statement, the rapper’s hairstylist also took to social media to ask for prayers.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Kingston’s prayers for a baby sibling also helped.
—Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
After several prayers were recited, Olitzky trudged through snow and took the sign down.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Israeli police stopped Jerusalem's top Catholic official Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and another leader from holding private Palm Sunday prayers there.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
All of their gods and prayers and dances are aimed to praying for the Earth, giving back to the Earth, praying for rain, praying for good crops.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
All of their gods and prayers and dances are aimed to praying for the Earth, giving back to the Earth, praying for rain, praying for good crops.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2026
Adam Harrington, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Another ancient tradition is the extensive prayers of the faithful, interspersed with genuflections, which today include intentions as varied as praying for the pope, for the Jewish people, and for those who do not believe in God.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
In addition to the show’s statement, the rapper’s hairstylist also took to social media to ask for prayers.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Kingston’s prayers for a baby sibling also helped.
—Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
After several prayers were recited, Olitzky trudged through snow and took the sign down.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Israeli police stopped Jerusalem's top Catholic official Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and another leader from holding private Palm Sunday prayers there.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
All of their gods and prayers and dances are aimed to praying for the Earth, giving back to the Earth, praying for rain, praying for good crops.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
All of their gods and prayers and dances are aimed to praying for the Earth, giving back to the Earth, praying for rain, praying for good crops.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prayers
Noun
-
And police file a large majority of the petitions.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Though Lomeli denied both her 2021 and 2026 petitions, she is allowed to continue filing similar requests in the future, a notion that is deeply unsettling for Gabriel’s relatives.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The case was originally set for trial this summer, but the trial is on hold until the appeals are complete.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The older two initially resist their parents’ appeals to immerse themselves in nature, but the youngest, who is mute, explores the area and finds a magical tree inhabited by a group of extraordinary characters.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
2 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
-
Dozens flocked to City Hall, wielding signs and voicing pleas for Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, Sacramento City Manager Maraskeshia Smith and other council members to halt construction.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
What’s changed is the cultural environment in which these wan pleas ring out.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Two requests seeking those documents by The Charlotte Observer have received no response.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
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But under the Florida and Oklahoma laws, any arrest could lead to DNA collection for immigrants subject to federal detainer requests.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prayers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prayers. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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