consensus
noun
con·sen·sus
kən-ˈsen(t)-səs 
often attributive
1
a
: general agreement : unanimity
the consensus of their opinion, based on reports … from the border—
John Hersey
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
Is the phrase consensus of opinion redundant?: Usage Guide
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.
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 on the Web
Paychex anticipates revenue growth of 16.5% to 18.5% for the upcoming year, which is slightly below market consensus.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
The overall debate lasted for more than an hour, but the trustees did not find consensus on either proposal.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
China's commerce ministry said on June 27 the two countries have confirmed details on the framework of implementing the Geneva trade talks consensus.
—David Lawder, USA Today, 28 June 2025
The consensus 12-month price target suggests the stock might rise another 3%.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for consensus
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
The overall debate lasted for more than an hour, but the trustees did not find consensus on either proposal.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
China's commerce ministry said on June 27 the two countries have confirmed details on the framework of implementing the Geneva trade talks consensus.
—David Lawder, USA Today, 28 June 2025
The consensus 12-month price target suggests the stock might rise another 3%.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for consensus
Cite this Entry
“Consensus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consensus. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
consensus
noun
con·sen·sus
kən-ˈsen(t)-səs
plural consensuses
1
: general agreement
the consensus of opinion
2
: the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned
the consensus was to go ahead
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