Definition of benisonnext
as in blessing
a prayer calling for divine care, protection, or favor during the harbor festival the parish priest offered a benison for the local fishermen

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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 benison Again, not a bad gag, except that Vance, without ado, then pivoted and stiffened into piety, explaining how the touch of God had granted him the benison of a decent sleep before his speech. — Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 25 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benison
Noun
  • Meanwhile, one monk intones that more offerings will bring the family greater blessing and peace.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In the last moments of East of Eden, Adam gives his guilt-laden son the ability to choose, a gift and a blessing and a burden.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Some cardinals would stop — more often for the prayer requests than the questions — but others would keep walking.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The pilgrims were going to a prayer site in Nakuru County, west of the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, said Martin Kivuva, archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The program will close with a benediction followed by a white dove release.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 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, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Benison.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benison. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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