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
  • For the 18-month moratorium, Webb is listed as the sponsor, according to board meeting materials.
    — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Some deepfakes can even be used in Teams and Zoom meetings, Whyte said.
    — Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of meeting
Noun
  • The talk of its future was huge though, with anticipation by the everyday user rising with hope for instant communications and exponentially easier information gathering.
    — Robbie Morrison, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Alongside the citywide gallery program, ARTnews will present the Art Week NYC Hub, a gathering place for live interviews, panel discussions, artist talks, and editorial programming featuring many of the leading voices shaping today’s art world.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of gathering
Noun
  • The two aren't on speaking terms after Welch removed him from the caucus last year for working on a budget bill without his permission.
    — Ben Szalinski, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Garten and Koch will meet with caucus members in the coming weeks to learn about their legislative priorities and discuss a way forward to unite the caucus, according to the statement.
    — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of caucus
Noun
  • Monsterama Con The 13th annual retro horror and sci-fi convention focuses on cinema, art, comics, literature and media with special guests, vendors, screenings and more.
    — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In an Instagram post, Dillahunt shared footage of the pair meandering around the convention together in their masks.
    — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 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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