as in synods
formal
a private or secret meeting or group
a conclave of bishops
Related Words
Relevance
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
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
ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclaves
Noun
-
Future meetings are yet to be determined.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
22 Mar. 2026
-
But council members agreed, and Police Chief Dave Miner echoed the idea, that placing the headquarters in a more central location, such as near or in the Civic Center, would be better for response times and overall police operations, including staffing and daily briefing meetings.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Gulf has also welcomed global CEOs, home to major business gatherings like the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Web Summit in Doha and Abu Dhabi Finance Week.—
Emma Graham,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
-
From the sweet and pungent Cipolla Rossa di Tropea festival in Ricadi to chestnut fairs in the mountains, these gatherings are a lively, delicious way to connect with the region’s culture and flavors.—
Jenna Curcio,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
Ash found success by attending revival-style sales conventions and memorizing every smile, wink, and maxim in the Stanley songbook.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
-
In my experience, challenging conventions and presenting a more candid depiction of what troubles our fighting men and women — and their folks back home — brings you more credibility and appreciation than trying to spray perfume on the horrors of the battlefield.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conclaves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclaves. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
