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 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 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 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
  • Other independents in the Senate, including Maine's Angus King on the moderate end and Vermont's Bernie Sanders on the left, caucus with Democrats for organizational purposes and committee assignments.
    — NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Other independents in the Senate, including Maine’s Angus King on the moderate end and Vermont’s Bernie Sanders on the left, caucus with Democrats for organizational purposes and committee assignments.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conclave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conclave

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