as in hymns
a religious song
the monks offered up a canticle at dawn on Easter morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 canticles
Gustave Doré, the celebrated French illustrator, did elaborate engravings for the three canticles in the mid-19th century and devoted 99 out of 135 of them to Dante Alighieri’s darkest scenes.
—
Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canticles
Noun
-
Most candlelight services include familiar Christmas hymns, a short message about the birth of Jesus, and a moment of reflection as the lights dim and candles are passed.—
-
The film demands plenty of its cast, including singing, dancing and getting caught in rapture, set to an unconventional soundtrack based on Shaker hymns by Oscar-winning composer Daniel Blumberg.—
Noun
-
Johnson doesn’t listen to pop anthems all the time.—
-
Bleu Edmondson was once one of the most promising stars in the Texas country scene, as well as the author of party anthems that still ring out on jukeboxes and college playlists across the Lone Star State.—
Noun
-
The group — including Dottie Jones, Jackie Ruffin and Darlene Simmons — were Grammy-nominated, and topped Billboard’s Spiritual albums chart with Psalms in 1984.—
-
The fabled singer-songwriter is set to play 21 shows on the continent this spring, in support of his latest release, 2023’s Seven Psalms.—
Noun
-
Best of all, chorus members remain after the concert to enjoy refreshments with the residents and lead sing-alongs of our favorite carols.—
-
Or to sometimes instinctively mouth the words to Christmas carols the kids sang to him with tears or confusion in their eyes.—
Cite this Entry
“Canticles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canticles. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
