benediction

noun

ˌbe-nə-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce benediction (audio)
Definition of benedictionnext
1
as in blessing
a prayer calling for divine care, protection, or favor the priest offered a benediction for the missing children

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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

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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 Language barrier aside, sitting with him in the courtyard was a benediction. — Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026 Offering a ‘benediction’ for my readers from my writing desk on one of the gayest places on earth felt on-brand and honest for what my life looks like today. — Literary Hub, 7 May 2026 Ice Cube and Pitbull did a few numbers, and Smith was there to deliver a benediction. — Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026 There also will be a student reading of King’s work; live performances, including gospel music by Sherri Orr; the presentation of the 2026 Beloved Community Awards; and a benediction by Chaplain Kelly Figueroa-Ray. — Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benediction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benediction
  1. blessing
  2. benefit
  3. prayer
  4. boon
  5. gift
Noun
  • For Witt, signing with The Black Effect Podcast Network was a major blessing.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • This year's festival just happens to land exactly on the Fourth of July, a coincidence Patti Mangan, the executive director of the Fillmore Merchants Association, believed was a blessing.
    — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of blessing
Noun
  • If an employer chooses to grant recognition, no election takes place, and the parties begin bargaining a contract that sets standards for wages, working conditions and benefits.
    — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Sign up for an Amazon Prime membership to get exclusive perks and benefits all year, including grocery delivery.
    — Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of benefit
Noun
  • The thoughts and prayers expressed on the phones are, in a sense, carried by the wind.
    — Staff Photographer, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Iranian state media showed throngs of people gathered at Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, a large prayer complex in Tehran, visiting the family's caskets.
    — Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 6 July 2026
Definition of prayer
Noun
  • The acceleration of technology has been a boon for the world of history, creating new ways to reach audiences hungry to learn more about the past.
    — Paul Buccieri, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
  • The biggest boon for the company in the quarter may have been soaring gas prices resulting from the war in Iran.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of boon
Noun
  • Your family was able to enjoy this gift of extended time together, right?
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Others request videos of late grandparents as gifts for their own parents.
    — Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of gift

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Cite this Entry

“Benediction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benediction. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on benediction

Nglish: Translation of benediction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about benediction

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