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
While mayor pro tem elections can be contentious in other cities, Austin’s recent councils have largely worked collaboratively to rotate the position, which Vela said reflects the body’s ability to work together.
—
Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
That’s because different councils use different bakers.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026
The Girl Scouts was founded in 1912, and provides enrichment, volunteer and social opportunities through local councils and troops, according to the organization's website.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Because of the city’s financial troubles, prior councils had decided not to increase their monthly salaries.
—Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
Most local Girl Scout councils sell cookies between January and April, but dates can vary by location.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Dec. 2025
Applications for new awards that have already been reviewed by study sections and advisory councils, the two major steps in the agency’s review process, must receive decisions by January 12.
—Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025
Several councils in major cities bowed to public pressure.
—Michael Saunders, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Eventually, some of those projects make their way to the city or town councils for a final say.
—Shawn Raymundo, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
That’s because different councils use different bakers.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026
The Girl Scouts was founded in 1912, and provides enrichment, volunteer and social opportunities through local councils and troops, according to the organization's website.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Because of the city’s financial troubles, prior councils had decided not to increase their monthly salaries.
—Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
Most local Girl Scout councils sell cookies between January and April, but dates can vary by location.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Dec. 2025
Applications for new awards that have already been reviewed by study sections and advisory councils, the two major steps in the agency’s review process, must receive decisions by January 12.
—Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025
Several councils in major cities bowed to public pressure.
—Michael Saunders, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Eventually, some of those projects make their way to the city or town councils for a final say.
—Shawn Raymundo, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for councils
Noun
-
Pay Attention supports meetings and conversations with real-time transcription and translation when enabled.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Instead, Republican staffers sullenly reported to messaging meetings to talk about immigration.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While the company largely stays out of the headlines, Applecart has a leading place in an emerging but discreet cohort of companies and organizations aimed at reaching key figures in industry and government.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Several leading human rights and watchdog organizations in recent days condemned growing violence against demonstrators by government forces.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Special guests and experts will lead seminars on fishing, gardening and cooking on three separate stages.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The event is part of the Northwest Health HealthyU series, a community program that provides free seminars on various health and wellness topics.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hyundai affiliates and partners play key roles.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Each of the club’s minor league affiliates will be under the direction of a new manager this season.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Others come during private discussions.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Skubal’s side evidently saw little point in advancing the discussions.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Extra Seating Saab recommends removing any extra seating, such as poufs, stools, or dining chairs that often get pulled in from kitchens, bedrooms, or offices, to accommodate holiday gatherings.—
Kristin Hohenadel,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The edgy South of Market venue in San Francisco that showcases works from up-and-coming artists is also known as a cool place to host gatherings and celebrations, especially among the city arts crowd.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Western counterparts often acknowledge them privately, even as public backlash from some European institutions and media figures ensued against Rubio’s candor.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The oil downturn and currency devaluation of the early 1980s shook Venezuelan society deeply, hollowing out the middle class and undermining trust in political institutions.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Those conferences will be represented in Thursday night’s first CFP semifinal between Miami and Mississippi in the Fiesta Bowl.—
Charles Odum,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
-
With both teams sitting outside the top of their respective conferences, the trade represents a gamble—one that could reshape the direction of each franchise long after this season.—
Sam Crenshaw,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Councils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/councils. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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