conclave

noun

Definition of conclavenext
as in synod
formal a private or secret meeting or group a conclave of bishops

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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 conclave Trump also implied that Leo − the first pope born in the United States − was chosen by the conclave last year, partly in response to his own leadership. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 4 May 2026 Around the corner from Henry and Miller’s conclave is a sumptuous new commission by Bethany Joy Collins. — Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026 His death, at 88, set the stage for the conclave that elected Leo a few weeks later. — ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 The pope hasn’t visited the US since his selection at the papal conclave in May 2025 and doesn’t have plans to visit this year, according to the Vatican. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conclave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclave
  1. synod
  2. meeting
  3. gathering
  4. caucus
  5. convention
Noun
  • The testimony of the gay men, contained in annexes published on the Vatican's synod website, featured moving accounts of how one, from Portugal, came to terms with his homosexuality and married his husband.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
  • Leo, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost, spent two weeks sitting with Fuanya at the same table during Pope Francis’ 2024 big meeting, or synod, on the family.
    — Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of synod
Noun
  • Joe resolves to tell Nathan right away — or at least, right after the preference sheet meeting.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • The move follows months of public discussion, including an online survey — open through July 15, a community meeting and feedback from the Zoning Commission, which recommended denying the current draft proposal to allow additional review.
    — Ken Molestina, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of meeting
Noun
  • The bar also hosts weekly vinyl collector gatherings around a long communal table and a DJ booth turntable on which guests are welcome to pop on their own selection from the 6,000-strong record collection.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • Then the Senate Armed Services chair reversed himself, calling Wilson on Thursday to say that Charleston could not host the gathering after all.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of gathering
Noun
  • The statewide party may consider a range of options if Platner drops out, from a caucus to an internal election, a pop-up convention or more informal internal deliberations, according to political experts.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • This time, the criticism of a would-be speaker is coming from the left flank of the caucus — progressives who want Jeffries to shift his positions.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of caucus
Noun
  • This is a house that has always challenged convention, transforming bold ideas into creations that have shaped fashion history.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 14 July 2026
  • Not one person in that convention contacted the authorities to protect the child.
    — S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of convention

Browse Nearby Words

concision
conclave
conclaves
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Cite this Entry

“Conclave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclave. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conclave

Nglish: Translation of conclave for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conclave

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