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
Relevance
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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Another clutch offering is a workstation for getting computer work done in between meetings.
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Not only that, but government meetings are just clicks away on your cell phone or laptop, an advance that was hastened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Noun
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Dias said that backers of noncitizen voting need to build a broad coalition — grassroots organizations, election officials, lawyers for the city — before taking the proposal to voters.
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The prince is the official royal patron of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and also the Patron of the Football Association (FA), England's governing body for soccer organizations.
Noun
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The atmosphere was not much better in my upper-level seminars.
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They will be associated with Accor and Swissôtel activities for 18 months, which can include activations such as inspiration talks, conferences and seminars for Accor employees and members of the group’s loyalty program.
Noun
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What other industry can boast proprietary, transaction-level purchase data at the scale of performance creators and affiliates?
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As one executive put it, teams have to pick their roster battles and try to stay covered at the higher affiliates.
Noun
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Harry's decision comes amid ongoing discussions with the royal family to acquire an appropriate level of security for his family, including Meghan Markle and their two children, Princess Lilibet, 5, and Prince Archie, 7.
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More than 70 students heard directly from Holocaust survivors and educators before participating in smaller breakout discussions.
Noun
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Videos from these gatherings showing chanting crowds beneath concert lights, audience members crying, hugging strangers and dancing barefoot have racked up millions of views online.
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For years, the singer has marked the Fourth of July holiday with gatherings at her Rhode Island home, hosting friends and family for celebrations that became a hallmark of her summers.
Noun
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This swept away Iran’s monarchy and birthed a state that is part theocracy, part republic, with a handful of semi-democratic institutions swaddled by a system that is ultimately clerical.
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Many of the same institutions and organizations that offer classes are also looking for teachers.
Noun
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But for women suing the NCAA, universities and athletic conferences over past transgender-athlete policies, the ruling may prove to be an important turning point.
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Grants could be canceled due to political whims, and new layers of bureaucracy would inhibit basic scientific activities like publishing papers and attending conferences.
Cite this Entry
“Councils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/councils. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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