counsel 1 of 2

Definition of counselnext
1
2
3
as in adviser
a person who gives advice especially professionally the toy manufacturer hired a public relations counsel to do some damage control

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

counsel

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to consult
to exchange viewpoints or seek advice for the purpose of finding a solution to a problem concerned parents counseling about the problem of substance abuse in their community

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
as in to suggest
to put (something) forward as one's choice for a wise or proper course of action I would counsel caution and deliberation in this sensitive matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of counsel
Noun
Over 75% of shareholders voted in favor of the pay package, said Brandon Ehrhart, the company’s general counsel, as Tesla shareholders gathered in person and virtually for their annual meeting. David Ingram, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025 Among those who revered him and were swayed by his counsel in various instances was Manny Machado. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
Glass, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the UCLA Anderson School of Business, recently started a business, Glassworks College Advising, to counsel high school students applying to college. Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025 From the sidelines, an indefatigably kind and patient nurse (Fisayo Akinade) observes these fractious family dynamics with a rueful twinkle, gently counseling the dying matriarch as to how to bring her brood back together. Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counsel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counsel
Noun
  • West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is preparing for his team of lawyers to make their argument in front of the top court, a case defending the state's Save Women's Sports Act, which prohibits those who were assigned male at birth from playing on competitive female sports teams.
    Lauren Linder, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Many others — Democrats, lawyers and other law enforcement officials — have watched the video with the conclusion that the ICE agent’s life was not at risk and the woman was not trying to ram her vehicle into him, based on the positioning of the tires.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Most of the complexes also include unusual amenities like on-site child care, smoking cessation classes, areas for on-site food cultivation, English classes, advice for job searches and help securing a high school diploma.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
  • As members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the two often intertwined their faith into their advice.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Schlegel, a travel adviser from Arlington, Virginia, has told clients to not panic, to monitor their flights and to arrive at the airport early.
    JOSH FUNK, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Just ahead of kickoff, ESPN's Jordan Reid reported that New York Jets GM Darren Mougey and senior football advisor, Rick Spielman, are both in attendance for the Indiana-Penn State matchup.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Ben Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
    Ben Jones, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The Department of Children and Families has received more than 300 reports of child trafficking in the past two years and completed more than 350 consults.
    Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • However, having a pending case does not confer immigration status and the government can detain an asylum seeker.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Knighthoods, conferred by the sovereign, represent one of the highest forms of national recognition for service and excellence.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Paul was a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion and guided the league through the challenges of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • To avoid this issue, Wang advises simply following the product labels and dosage information while also maintaining a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule for your machine.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Once considered superficial next to financial advice and tax planning, services for health and wellness, family and kids, and travel and self-improvement are becoming core competencies in the business of advising and helping wealthy families.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Some even suggested delicious baking uses for the new treats.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Just a day before the auction, internet sleuth Perezcope, published an instagram post suggesting the hard enamel had been recessed, while pointing out discrepancies in the numerals and so on.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counsel. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on counsel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!