intercession

noun

in·​ter·​ces·​sion ˌin-tər-ˈse-shən How to pronounce intercession (audio)
Synonyms of intercession
1
: the act of interceding
2
: prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another
intercessional
ˌin-tər-ˈse-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce intercession (audio)
adjective
intercessor
ˌin-tər-ˈse-sər How to pronounce intercession (audio)
noun
intercessory
ˌin-tər-ˈse-s(ə-)rē How to pronounce intercession (audio)
adjective

Examples of intercession in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The salvific intercessions of a goddess would have been needed. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026 Not all birth rituals depended on the intercession of a saint or the authority of a churchman. — Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026 His effort to offer enrichment and catch-up work during intercessions got off to a slow start but has become a recurring instructional program. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026 While parishioners gathered at a church near her mother’s home for intercession, Savannah Guthrie pleaded on Instagram. — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intercession

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin intercession-, intercessio, from intercedere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intercession was in the 15th century

Rhymes for intercession

See All Rhymes for intercession

Browse Nearby Words

interceptor
intercession
intercessional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intercession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intercession. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intercession

noun
in·​ter·​ces·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈsesh-ən How to pronounce intercession (audio)
: the act of interceding
intercessor
-ˈses-ər How to pronounce intercession (audio)
noun
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