1
as in meetings
a coming together of a number of persons for a specified purpose
a war council attended by the top commanders of each of the armed services
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in organizations
a group of persons formally joined together for some common interest
the neighborhood council decided to campaign for a new park
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in seminars
a meeting featuring a group discussion
summoned to a council to discuss ways that the state could improve medical care for the elderly
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
5
as in discussions
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
an unscheduled council in the judge's chambers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of councils
Advisory councils and ad hoc committees of external scientists approve new research priorities, provide a second-level review of grants, and advise the agency in setting scientific directions.
—
Mark Histed, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
Despite the cuts, the 2026 budget includes about $900,000 in new spending on a data practices team, technology, cyber-security and support for neighborhood district councils.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 16 June 2026
How such a system could be replicated in a nation of tens or hundreds of millions is unclear, although Landemore sees encouraging signs in advisory citizen councils that have been convened in Canada, Ireland, Iceland, and France.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
The median base salary for councils across peer cities was $78,707, according to the Columbus compensation commission.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
The auditor’s report also noted that four of the Department of Agriculture’s 12 boards, councils, or working groups did not file their schedule of regular meetings with the Secretary of State.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2026
Voters are also electing members of local government councils.
—ABC News, 1 June 2026
However, the sheriff’s association is becoming proactive and urges departments to have agreements with county councils regarding the use of commissary funds.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Germany operates through a similar structure involving works councils.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Mark Histed, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
Despite the cuts, the 2026 budget includes about $900,000 in new spending on a data practices team, technology, cyber-security and support for neighborhood district councils.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 16 June 2026
How such a system could be replicated in a nation of tens or hundreds of millions is unclear, although Landemore sees encouraging signs in advisory citizen councils that have been convened in Canada, Ireland, Iceland, and France.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
The median base salary for councils across peer cities was $78,707, according to the Columbus compensation commission.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
The auditor’s report also noted that four of the Department of Agriculture’s 12 boards, councils, or working groups did not file their schedule of regular meetings with the Secretary of State.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2026
Voters are also electing members of local government councils.
—ABC News, 1 June 2026
However, the sheriff’s association is becoming proactive and urges departments to have agreements with county councils regarding the use of commissary funds.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Germany operates through a similar structure involving works councils.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for councils
Noun
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Meanwhile, community meetings about data centers are growing contentious, with police arresting a farmer in Oklahoma, three women in Wisconsin and a man in California.—
Katie King,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
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Islamabad says Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, accompanied Sharif at the meetings.—
Victoria Eastwood,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
Noun
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The Eastern Pacific remains a key corridor for narcotics trafficking, with criminal organizations frequently using small vessels to move drugs toward North America.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
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In May, drinks giants Carlsberg and Diageo were among 40 organizations that signed a declaration of intent to scale regenerative agriculture across their supply chains, through a program developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative platform.—
Jasmin Sykes,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Noun
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The center offers first-year seminars for new students and a yearlong, co-curricular residential program for undergraduates that helps people learn to be open-minded, recognize personal cognitive biases and work collaboratively with others even if there are disagreements, according to its website.—
Kate Perez,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
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State officials are hosting a series of seminars about the STAR program throughout New York state this July.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Noun
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And in late 2025, Grady took on Meta (formerly called Facebook), including its affiliates Instagram and Whatsapp, for allowing fraudulent Chinese investment scams on its platforms.—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2026
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All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.—
Frank Cappelleri,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
Noun
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Stock Chart IconStock chart icon The discussions at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock marked the first negotiations since Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding last week to end their conflict and extend a shaky ceasefire for at least 60 days.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
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The diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe private discussions, said talks included clarifying what Iran meant by recent statements about the Strait of Hormuz.—
Aamer Madhani,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Noun
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Through these gatherings, Charlotte continues to show its commitment to building a community where differences are embraced, individuality is celebrated and inclusion remains at the center of bringing people together.—
Amari Riley
June 16,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
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Anywhere from 100 to 10,000 or more turtles may gather to lay eggs, with the largest gatherings happening in Costa Rica, Mexico and India.—
Pat Mueller,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Noun
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But prevention begins much earlier — with whether people feel connected to their communities, invested in civic life and seen by the institutions that serve them.—
Monica Gordon,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
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Undergraduate tuition and fees at Texas public institutions have remained frozen since 2023.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Noun
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The anti-expansion provision in the bill now includes the Big 12 and ACC, with the senators changing the language that now includes conferences that bring in $700 million in revenue from not being allowed to join forces like the Avengers.—
Trey Wallace,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
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Beginning in the mid-1990s, LGBTQ activists from leading Fortune 100 corporations would meet at yearly Out & Equal conferences to network and share strategies for creating LGBTQ-inclusive workplace cultures.—
Tamar Carroll,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Councils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/councils. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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