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 Furthermore, a group of cardinals (birds) is sometimes called a conclave. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026 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 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
  • This was the teams’ first meeting at T-Mobile Arena since Arizona beat UCLA in the 2023 Pac-12 tournament final for the second year in a row.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Witnesses and text messages introduced during trial placed Désir at meetings where the plot evolved from a plan to capture Moïse to killing him.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of meeting
Noun
  • Currently, these special taxes put on by voter signature gathering do not need to meet that threshold.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Imagined as a wholesome gathering at Longleat House in Wiltshire, England, the campaign, part of the brand’s yearlong 170th anniversary celebrations, features legendary actors Pierce Brosnan and Fiona Shaw hosting guests at the historic residence.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of gathering
Noun
  • Brown previously served as chairman, but caucus rules state that seniority resets if a senator leaves and then is reelected.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Republicans currently hold a 53-45 edge over Senate Democrats, who also have two independents that caucus with them, pushing the current minority to 47 seats.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of caucus
Noun
  • Social convention dictates that you not be caught liking Hoffman’s posts or following her yourself.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Lexington’s convention and visitor’s bureau launched FilmLEX two years ago to promote Kentucky’s incentive program, which launched in 2022, and help producers on the ground.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Nov. 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conclave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conclave

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