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
Both city and county councils have passed resolutions forbidding it.
—
Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
That fall, during councils with Native leaders, York played a surprising and vital role.
—Craig Fehrman, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Probst also confirmed that the jury, which will have a say in the eventual winner of the season, would begin after the three tribal councils that night.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
That fall, during councils with Native leaders, York played a surprising and vital role.
—Craig Fehrman, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026
One called Rabin’s government a Judenrat, the Nazi term for Jewish councils appointed to oversee ghettos.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar function as monarchies in which consultative councils advise but do not substantially constrain the ruler.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026
Exacerbating the problem is that four town councils – Hebron, Lowell, Kingsbury and Pines – have yet to appoint a representative.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
First, both councils should direct their staff to coordinate with each other and produce a joint staff report giving both city councils a common set of facts on the pros and cons of different options to make this intersection safer.
—Jerry Presley, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
That fall, during councils with Native leaders, York played a surprising and vital role.
—Craig Fehrman, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Probst also confirmed that the jury, which will have a say in the eventual winner of the season, would begin after the three tribal councils that night.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
That fall, during councils with Native leaders, York played a surprising and vital role.
—Craig Fehrman, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026
One called Rabin’s government a Judenrat, the Nazi term for Jewish councils appointed to oversee ghettos.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar function as monarchies in which consultative councils advise but do not substantially constrain the ruler.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026
Exacerbating the problem is that four town councils – Hebron, Lowell, Kingsbury and Pines – have yet to appoint a representative.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
First, both councils should direct their staff to coordinate with each other and produce a joint staff report giving both city councils a common set of facts on the pros and cons of different options to make this intersection safer.
—Jerry Presley, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for councils
Noun
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Multiple Administration officials emerged from these meetings nervous about Altman’s ambitions in the Middle East.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Joel Farabee and Matvei Gridin had a goal and an assist apiece for the Flames, who extended the Ducks' late-season spiral by earning their first win over Anaheim in four meetings this season.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The event will also include a kids’ area, as well as local artisans and community organizations.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
-
From ballpark enhancements and fan experience to large-scale real estate developments like Mission Rock, the panel will examine how long-term, flexible capital is helping organizations build enduring value while maintaining operational control.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Repticon also features educational presentations, seminars and interactive exhibits about the care and conservation of reptiles.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
31 Mar. 2026
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There will also be carnival rides and games, eating contests, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, food booths selling Italian favorites, as well as The Moretti Beer Garden and the Spritz Del Conte Wine Garden.—
Rod Stafford Hagwood,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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.—
Jeff Kilburg,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
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The Nation’s members and affiliates through the years have included some of the most influential artists in rap history.—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Signaling progress in the peace talks, Axios reported that Washington and Tehran were engaged in discussions mediated by some Gulf states for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could end the conflict, although the odds for reaching a partial deal before the Tuesday deadline were slim.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2026
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In fact, discussions about philosophy, politics and religion might be profound or thought-provoking to you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Recent events have drawn large crowds to neighborhoods including downtown and Hyde Park, with activity ranging from social gatherings to more chaotic crowd movement.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
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Together, the site is intended to serve as a cultural hub, offering educational programs, research opportunities and spaces for gatherings that connect Bridgeport’s history to present-day challenges in housing, equity, and sustainability.—
Reginald David,
Hartford Courant,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This newsroom-wide project brings fast facts as stories unfold — making sure our local officials and institutions are telling the truth, serving our communities well and following through on their promises.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
6 Apr. 2026
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New studies by two major La Jolla medical research institutions explore aging and its effects on the brain, albeit with different focuses.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That is by far the most among conferences, largely because the Big Ten swept the national championships — Michigan won the men’s and UCLA the women’s — and had Illinois advance to the men’s Final Four.—
Eric Olson,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
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When not writing, May frequently lectures on the politics and policies of mass incarceration for university classes, academic conferences, and online events.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Councils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/councils. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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