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
  • Abdul Samad Amjad, a Photovoice facilitator who was born in Pakistan and lives in Ohio, said the gatherings give participants a role in defining problems and possible solutions.
    — Kyle Desrosiers-Levine, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Despite being effectively banished from the royal family, ex-Prince Andrew might have scored an invitation to a holiday gathering.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of gathering
Noun
  • Those disagreements have already fueled some resistance to Jeffries, raising questions about whether different factions of the Democratic caucus will fall in line behind him.
    — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026
  • On speculation that the caucus will be unable to request a roll call vote with just three members, Sampson is skeptical that Democrats would deny a request.
    — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 11 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conclave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conclave

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