prayers

10 synonyms for prayers, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — Words addressed to God, a god or another sacred figure, whether asking for something, giving thanks, confessing or praising.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

service worship

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

condolences

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

supplications petitions devotions invocations orisons good wishes thoughts

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

Words addressed to God, a god or another sacred figure, whether asking for something, giving thanks, confessing or praising.

“He said his prayers every night before bed.”

supplications petitions devotions invocations orisons

2. noun

A short religious service or a set time of praying, especially one held regularly.

“Friday prayers filled the street outside the mosque.”

service worship devotions

3. noun

An expression of sympathy and support offered to someone in trouble, whether or not the speaker is religious.

“Sending prayers to everyone affected by the fire.”

good wishes thoughts condolences

How to use prayers

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

say your prayers answer prayers thoughts and prayers prayers for the sick Friday prayers prayers up

The first two senses are neutral and religious. The third, especially in the fixed phrase 'thoughts and prayers', is now often used critically, because it is seen as a substitute for action after preventable tragedies.

Etymology

Plural of prayer, from Old French preiere, from Latin precaria, from precari meaning 'to entreat'.

Full origin of prayers →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between prayer and prayers?

Prayer as an uncountable noun means the practice itself — 'the power of prayer'. Prayers, countable and plural, means particular things said or particular occasions of saying them — 'she said three prayers'.

Why do people criticise 'thoughts and prayers'?

The phrase is a standard expression of sympathy, but after mass shootings and other preventable disasters it has drawn criticism as a way of appearing to respond while avoiding any policy change. Critics call it performative; supporters note that it is a sincere expression of care in most private contexts.

What does 'prayers up' mean?

It is an informal expression, common on social media and especially in Black American English, meaning that prayers are being offered for someone going through something serious. It works as a short message of support, roughly equivalent to 'praying for you'.

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service worship condolences

Nearby words

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