synagogue

noun

syn·a·gogue ˈsi-nə-ˌgäg

variants or less commonly synagog

Synonyms of synagogue next

: a Jewish congregation

: the house of worship and communal center of a Jewish congregation

synagogal

ˌsi-nə-ˈgä-gəl

adjective

Examples of synagogue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In recent days, the targets across the country have expanded to include not just Jewish institutions like synagogues, but also churches and mosques. —

Sabrina Souza, CNN, 16 Aug. 2023 Police presence around the synagogue has been increased. —

Jeffery C. Mays, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Aug. 2023 The synagogue tragedy placed an unfounded cast of guilt on the Arab and Muslim American community. —

Doris Bittar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2023 The suit said the jail’s external religious verification process requires a synagogue or rabbi to confirm a person’s Jewish faith, or a letter of conversion, before accommodating a kosher diet. —

Jasmine Hilton, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2023 The Tree of Life congregation plans to overhaul the synagogue complex to house a sanctuary, museum, memorial and center for fighting antisemitism. —

Peter Smith and Michael Rubinkam, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2023 Pittsburgh synagogue gunman to be sentenced to death in nation’s deadliest attack on Jews. —

Karim Doumar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2023 Bowers was shot as police apprehended him after a shootout in a classroom on the third floor of the synagogue. —

David Nakamura The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 3 Aug. 2023 The address given on the phone belongs to a synagogue that is livestreaming its services. —

Jeffery C. Mays, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'synagogue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English synagoge, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin synagoga, from Greek synagōgē assembly, synagogue, from synagein to bring together, from syn- + agein to lead — more at agent

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of synagogue was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Synagogue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synagogue. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

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Kids Definition

synagogue

noun

syn·a·gogue

variants also synagog

ˈsin-ə-ˌgäg

: a Jewish congregation

: the house of worship of a Jewish congregation

Etymology

Middle English synagoge "a Jewish congregation," from early French synagoge (same meaning), from Latin synagoga (same meaning), from Greek synagōgē "synagogue, assembly," from synagein "to bring together," from syn- "together with" and agein "to lead" — related to synonymous