Benediction

A spoken blessing, often given at the close of a religious service or gathering.

Reach for it when naming a formal expression of blessing or good wishes

The chaplain offered a brief benediction before the volunteers departed.

• everyday

  prayer

  the religious act matters more than its ceremonial position

  not when Prayer is much broader and need not bless the listeners.

• warm

  blessing

  goodwill or divine favor is invoked in familiar language

  not when Blessing can name a benefit rather than words spoken at a close.

• warm

  good wishes

  secular kindness is intended without religious language

  not when Good wishes lack the formality and sacred character of a benediction.

• professional

  farewell blessing

  clear explanation is needed for an unfamiliar audience

  not when The phrase narrows the act to departure and sounds descriptive rather than ceremonial.

• formal

  invocation

  a prayer calls upon divine presence, often at the beginning

  not when Invocation usually opens an event, while benediction commonly closes it.

• literary

  benison

  an old, elevated word for blessing fits the prose

  not when Benison is rare and likely to interrupt rather than clarify.

• curse
• condemnation
• anathema

• final benediction

  The final benediction sent the assembly into the night in silence.

• give a benediction

  A community elder will give a benediction after the names are read.

• benediction prayer

  The benediction prayer thanked the workers and remembered those absent.