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 In a conclave already fixated with security and privacy, the mansions will offer even more. — Alexandra Phelps updated May 29, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026 And who could ever forget the kids from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy, who held a mini conclave of their own, then were invited to Rome for an informal meet and greet with the holy father. — CBS News, 8 May 2026 The papal conclave performed a fairly remarkable feat. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 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 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
  • At the first all-crew meeting, Kerry warns everyone to stay vigilant.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The program offers discussions of financing and distribution, opportunities to present unfinished work and pitch projects, and meetings with industry representatives.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of meeting
Noun
  • The camaraderie morphed into friendship, and changed how Truncale approaches such gatherings.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Guimaraes said the art of the physical gathering relies on careful curation and the transformational power of breaking bread together.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of gathering
Noun
  • The committee challenges will be first voted on by the caucus’ powerful Steering and Policy Committee, which is generally aligned with party leadership, before the full caucus will have any input.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The district is one Trump carried in the past, but that Golden has held as a leader of the conservative Blue Dog Coalition, a caucus of more centrist Democrats.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of caucus
Noun
  • In the clip, Affleck and Samuel browsed sneakers at a convention, where Samuel spotted the Dior shoes.
    — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly half the credential problem is a hiring convention rather than a safety rule—and conventions are easier to change.
    — Eric Kutcher, Fortune, 11 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conclave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conclave

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