consensus

noun, often attributive con·sen·sus \ kən-ˈsen(t)-səs \

|Updated on: 6 Aug 2018

Usage guide: Is the phrase consensus of opinion redundant?

Examples: consensus in a Sentence

Definition of consensus

1 a : general agreement : unanimity

the consensus of their opinion, based on reports … from the border
—John Hersey

b : the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned

the consensus was to go ahead

2 : group solidarity in sentiment and belief

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Is the phrase consensus of opinion redundant?

The phrase consensus of opinion, which is not actually redundant (see sense 1a; the sense that takes the phrase is slightly older), has been so often claimed to be a redundancy that many writers avoid it. You are safe in using consensus alone when it is clear you mean consensus of opinion, and most writers in fact do so.

Examples of consensus in a Sentence

Yet despite this and other dust-ups during the convention, the general consensus is that Episcopalians weathered this one with their customary civility intact. —Antonio Ramirez, Commonweal, 12 Sept. 1997
Despite years of debate over the best wine to serve at Thanksgiving, no real consensus has emerged. —Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 30 Nov. 1995
Beyond the general goal of sustainability, there was little consensus at the conference on how to get from here to there. —Constance Holden, Science, 6 July 1990
… it is the consensus of opinion that the Iceni in their geographic isolation remained 'Celtic' … —Antonia Fraser, The Warrior Queens, 1988
Everyone on the council seems to understand the need for consensus.
There is a lack of consensus among the citizens.
The decision was made by consensus.

Recent Examples of consensus from the Web

Brown, a consensus four-star recruit out of Warren East High School in Bowling Green, redshirted his first year in 2015.

— gabe hauari, The Courier-Journal, "WKU linebacker Eli Brown granted immediate eligibility for 2018 season," 13 July 2018
Marshall, a two-time consensus All-American linebacker, was inducted in September 2007, a year after the other four members were put into the Ring of Honor as part of the 100-year celebration of Gators football.

— edgar thompson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Tim Tebow elected to Gators' Ring of Honor," 12 July 2018
In a two-party system consensus is not highly valued, and ways of thwarting it are easily found.

— The Economist, "America’s electoral system gives the Republicans advantages over Democrats," 12 July 2018
Five years ago, a group of civic leaders came close to consensus on a proposal to reform our tax code.

— sacbee, "Tax haircuts and concerts – or the rich? Californians consider the options," 9 July 2018
With a rise of anti-immigrant parties in Europe, the EU has been forced to search even harder for a consensus on the core principles of the bloc.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "EU’s migrant plan is about more than migrants," 29 June 2018
Vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson helped create a consensus for the plan with Showalter, executive vice president Dan Duquette, farm director Brian Graham and pitching coach Roger McDowell.

— jon meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Jimmy Yacabonis' first start Thursday a reward for Orioles' unconventional commitment to transition," 28 June 2018
That prompted Ryan and GOP leaders to convene negotiations aimed at writing a consensus Republican bill that could pass the House to forestall passage of more liberal bipartisan bills that would pass with mostly Democratic votes.

— Anchorage Daily News, "GOP immigration bills backed by Trump appear headed for defeat," 21 June 2018
In addition to ACC Player of the Year honors, Bagley was named national freshman of the year and a consensus first-team All-America.

— brendan marks, charlotteobserver, "Pair of Duke stars headlines ACC-to-NBA pipeline during first round of NBA draft," 21 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'consensus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.