conclaves

noun

plural of conclave
as in synods
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 conclaves In 16th-century Italy, gamblers could wager on the election of civic magistrates and the outcome of papal conclaves. — Parker Bach, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026 Behind the large wooden door, its frescoed walls closed to the general public reveal details of the compound's dramatic history, including papal conclaves and the Inquisition interrogation of Galileo Galilei. — ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclaves
  1. meetings
  2. gatherings
  3. caucuses
  4. conventions
Noun
  • With a new school year underway, things like homework, back-to-school nights and PTA meetings are on all of our minds right now.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The residents occasionally gather in a disused rec center but the meetings devolve into rants about immigrants, junkies, thugs and vigilantism.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of meetings
Noun
  • However, the holiday season tends to see a spike each year as people congregate for parties, celebrations and gatherings.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Authorities in several parts of the country banned gatherings around the schools that were closed Friday, but the measure appears to have had little effect.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of gatherings
Noun
  • Republicans are already committed to making the Iowa caucuses their first contest in 2028, and delaying the Democratic caucus could reinforce the idea that Democrats don’t prioritize rural voters, the Iowa presenters said.
    — Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
  • Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada have traditionally been among the first states to hold presidential primaries or caucuses, although neither party has set its formal presidential primary and caucus calendar yet.
    — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 23 Dec. 2025
Definition of caucuses
Noun
  • Stylistically, the sequence injects noir with the conventions of music videos.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Against a backdrop of wilting flowers that left a subtle funk in the air, designer Glenn Martens once again put forth ideas that challenged conventions of beautiful clothing.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of conventions

Browse Nearby Words

conclave
conclaves
conclude
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Cite this Entry

“Conclaves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclaves. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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