1
as in churches
a body of persons gathered for religious worship
the whole congregation began to sing with great fervor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in assemblies
a body of people come together in one place
a congregation of journalists were at the hotel bar, discussing the latest developments
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of congregations
One of Atlanta's oldest congregations is celebrating Black History Month and its place in history.
—
Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Teachers have connected members with church congregations and groups that have donated to their inventory.
—Vincent T. Davis, San Antonio Express-News, 9 Feb. 2026
But mirroring a national trend of shrinking religious orders and congregations, the last nuns left in 2022.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Leaders and members of more than 600 congregations of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church have signed onto a full-page ad in The Charlotte Observer condemning aggressive conduct by federal immigration agencies.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026
Three region locations were among the 24 congregations statewide to receive grants through the nonprofit’s Sacred Places Indiana Fund to address capital needs at historic houses of worship.
—Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Some rabbis cite the challenge of holding together congregations during times of heightened political divisions and growing tensions over the Israel-Hamas war.
—Luis Andres Henao, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Many conservative American congregations seceded and joined with traditionalist congregations in Africa and elsewhere to form a separate, less inclusive Church.
—Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Today, as a result of California’s law, at least 80 congregations in Los Angeles are exploring housing projects on their lands, according to Barragán’s office.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Teachers have connected members with church congregations and groups that have donated to their inventory.
—Vincent T. Davis, San Antonio Express-News, 9 Feb. 2026
But mirroring a national trend of shrinking religious orders and congregations, the last nuns left in 2022.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Leaders and members of more than 600 congregations of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church have signed onto a full-page ad in The Charlotte Observer condemning aggressive conduct by federal immigration agencies.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026
Three region locations were among the 24 congregations statewide to receive grants through the nonprofit’s Sacred Places Indiana Fund to address capital needs at historic houses of worship.
—Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Some rabbis cite the challenge of holding together congregations during times of heightened political divisions and growing tensions over the Israel-Hamas war.
—Luis Andres Henao, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Many conservative American congregations seceded and joined with traditionalist congregations in Africa and elsewhere to form a separate, less inclusive Church.
—Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Today, as a result of California’s law, at least 80 congregations in Los Angeles are exploring housing projects on their lands, according to Barragán’s office.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congregations
Noun
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The Department of Homeland Security said it’s been in contact with churches in Springfield about the threats.—
Caitlin Hu,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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The historic heart of Savannah is best experienced by strolling, drifting between the squares with stately old homes, cafes, shops and churches.—
Adam Kuehl,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Programs Designed for Today’s Reality Vitt Factor’s programming spans assemblies, workshops, leadership development, and ongoing mentorship.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
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One of the city’s star attractions is the huge 25,000-seat Great Theater, used for theatrical performances, public assemblies, religious ceremonies and, in the Roman era, gladiatorial battles.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The tech billionaire was due to speak at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, billed as one of the biggest AI conferences in the Global South.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Brown transfer Nana Owusu-Anane had offers from all four power conferences, most notably Kansas.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Non-Orientable Nkansa, 2017, one of his earliest large-scale installations, announced his dedication to monumental assemblages that fixate on negligence and crumbling edifices.—
Edna Bonhomme,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
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His artworks, which include paintings, sculptures, mixed-media assemblages, mosaics, photographs, and film, are full of mood and foreboding.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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To receive the award, the authority completed governance transparency requirements including ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the state controller in a timely manner.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
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Only three of them consistently performed on record and in concert, but at least a dozen more were honorary members who attended formal band meetings and were granted as much say in its direction and philosophy as those who actually played the instruments.—
Andy Cush,
Pitchfork,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Some say these gatherings set the stage for the formation of the United Nations.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
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The impeachment gatherings were scheduled for the one-year anniversary of the first No Kings’ protest.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congregations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congregations. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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