Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

pray to

VERB
call
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appoint ask charge claim declare order require summon
STRONG
challenge command decree elect entreat exact ordain postulate proclaim requisition solicit
WEAK
appeal to set apart
VERB
worship
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admire adore canonize celebrate chant idolize revere sing venerate
STRONG
adulate deify esteem exalt extol hero-worship laud love magnify praise respect reverence sanctify
WEAK
bow down to dote on offer prayers to pay homage to put on a pedestal sing praises to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abhor condemn despise detest hate
STRONG
blame castigate criticize denounce dishonor dislike disrespect scorn

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“You have to pray to the gods,” said Boushele.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

The basilica also hosts what is said to be a relic of Jesus's crib and an icon of Mary, to whom Pope Francis would pray to asking for protection before a journey.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2025

"But what can I do? I can only sit here and pray to god to return my son to me. I want nothing else."

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2025

And many of the expeditions set out from Bari, where the soldiers could pray to Nicholas for calm seas and a prosperous voyage.

From Slate • Dec. 15, 2024

Every time a new baby was born, they’d always go out to the Holy Grove, and pray to Saint Gwenforte, the Holy Greyhound, to keep that baby safe.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz