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
  • Jackson had a prime seat at Davis’ A&R meetings, which were notoriously chilly, loud, and, yes, long.
    — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Notre Dame crammed in 15 more hours of meetings during training camp’s first 10 days, trying to create time before school begins next week.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of meetings
Noun
  • The frequent gatherings are often impromptu affairs, sometimes with a singular ingredient sparking the idea.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Fireside speakers at recent gatherings have included Energy Sec.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 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
  • But visitors come primarily for theme parks, conventions, cruises and vacations, and whose schedules are already packed.
    — Rich Bradley, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Assistants don’t normally come with this much lore, but Trump has never been one to follow conventions, and Harp’s unusually intimate bond with him hasn’t gone unnoticed, within or outside of the White House.
    — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conclaves

Nglish: Translation of conclaves for Spanish Speakers

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