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consensus

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

Definition of consensus 

1a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms Is the phrase consensus of opinion redundant? More Example Sentences Learn More about consensus

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Synonyms & Antonyms for consensus

Synonyms

accord, agreement, concurrence, concurrency, unanimity, unison

Antonyms

conflict, disagreement

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 These are the issues that tug to the appeal of wider consensus.... — Rebecca Beitsch, The Christian Science Monitor, "All US states now allow breastfeeding in public," 13 July 2018 In Israel, too, appointing justices to the Supreme Court involves reaching a degree of consensus. — Joanna Slater, Washington Post, "Selecting a Supreme Court justice doesn’t have to be a battle royal. Here’s how other countries do it.," 10 July 2018 But that consensus had been softening in both parties. — The Economist, "The Trump-Putin summit in Helsinki," 5 July 2018 This time last year, the consensus was that Paul George would abandon the Thunder after one season to sign with the Lakers. — Marcus Hayes, Philly.com, "Sixers went all in to land LeBron James, and should do the same for Kawhi Leonard | Marcus Hayes," 1 July 2018 The consensus of scientific opinion is that sea level will continue to rise, and that storms will continue to increase in frequency and intensity, Del Mar Principal Planner Amanda Lee said Monday. — Phil Diehl, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Del Mar will add 'managed retreat' to sea-level policy," 17 Apr. 2018 Rozier was a consensus first-team All-American for Denny Crum's 1993-94 Cardinals, averaging 18.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. — Gentry Estes, The Courier-Journal, "Per family, former Louisville basketball star Clifford Rozier dies," 6 July 2018 Graham, a consensus first-team All-American at KU last season selected No. — Gary Bedore, kansascity, "Former KU guard Devonté Graham signs contract, produces in first game for Hornets," 6 July 2018 While no consensus was reached, members acknowledged the unique value proposition of the industry, and pledged to publish a formal proposal by July. — Zhuling Chen, Fortune, "How Should We Regulate Blockchain? It Depends on Which Country You Ask," 25 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.

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First Known Use of consensus

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for consensus

Latin, from consentire — see consent entry 1

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Learn More about consensus

Dictionary Entries near consensus

consenescence

consension

consensual

consensus

consensus of opinion

consent

consentaneous

Phrases Related to consensus

consensus of opinion

growing consensus

reach a consensus

Statistics for consensus

Last Updated

1 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for consensus

The first known use of consensus was in 1843

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More Definitions for consensus

consensus

noun

English Language Learners Definition of consensus

: a general agreement about something : an idea or opinion that is shared by all the people in a group

See the full definition for consensus in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on consensus

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for consensus

Spanish Central: Translation of consensus

Nglish: Translation of consensus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of consensus for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about consensus

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