councils

noun

plural of council
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

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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

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4
as in affiliates
a local unit of an organization the scout's own council chose to ignore the national organization's discriminatory policies

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of councils According to the blunt John Adams, the American Revolution began before the war with Britain, in the people’s minds and hearts, and Arendt situated those shifts in American town councils where citizens had debated local affairs. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Create governance councils that validate models, assess risk and guide adoption. — Harini Gopalakrishnan, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Cleaning the new facilities could also cost public sector bodies, such as councils, more than £20 million. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 6 Aug. 2026 The bill is opposed by the California Chamber of Commerce, a number of regional economic development councils and groups representing construction and real estate firms, chemical manufacturers and other commercial interests. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026 It’s being shaped on Main Street, in town councils and utility commissions across America. — Melody Birmingham, Fortune, 23 July 2026 Funding challenges have forced the closure of re-entry homes like the one at Charlotte’s McLeod Center and the shuttering of re-entry organizations like Redirection-NC as well as local reentry councils across the state. — Amber Gaudet july 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026 In addition to the 17 district councils, presentations also extended to the mayor’s advisory committee for people with disabilities, among other groups. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 16 July 2026 The state has 13 children’s services councils that collect tax money for programs like literacy support, water safety, healthcare and career readiness. — Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for councils
  1. meetings
  2. organizations
  3. seminars
  4. affiliates
  5. discussions
  6. gatherings
  7. institutions
  8. conferences
Noun
  • Jackson had a prime seat at Davis’ A&R meetings, which were notoriously chilly, loud, and, yes, long.
    — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Notre Dame crammed in 15 more hours of meetings during training camp’s first 10 days, trying to create time before school begins next week.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of meetings
Noun
  • The decision quickly drew criticism from cattle industry organizations.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Opportunities are delayed because organizations are debating whose numbers are correct rather than deciding what actions to take.
    — Ashraf Altawashi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of organizations
Noun
  • The ambitious festival also promised a youth jazz camp and youth jazz intensive/master class, and seminars on the state of jazz in America.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
  • DeForde's organization works to convince doctors and nurses to treat people with addiction, conducting online training and in-person seminars.
    — Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of seminars
Noun
  • Nonprofits join growing number of affiliates Commercial affiliates aren’t new to higher education.
    — James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Helicopter footage captured by local CBS and NBC affiliates showed the blue motorcycle speeding on surface streets, with the rider wearing a mask and often appearing to be talking on his phone, and at least once, standing up on his bike.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of affiliates
Noun
  • The space station has had a leak on the Russian side for several years, and astronauts recently and briefly sheltered in a Crew Dragon during discussions of a fix.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • However, there are no assurances that this latest set of talks will lead to meaningful negotiations toward a settlement, the Times reported, citing people briefed on the upcoming discussions.
    — Ian Thomas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of discussions
Noun
  • The frequent gatherings are often impromptu affairs, sometimes with a singular ingredient sparking the idea.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Fireside speakers at recent gatherings have included Energy Sec.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of gatherings
Noun
  • Some of this can be attributed to a loss of trust in institutions, especially those tied to public health, thanks in part to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The 2026-2027 State Board of Education report presented to the North Carolina General Assembly shows institutions beginning their school year early this fall.
    — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of institutions
Noun
  • Micron expects the Boise facility to host research conferences, workshops and innovation forums alongside its laboratory work.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While the Power 4 conferences argue about schedule strength, the Group of 6 will give us a bevy of cross-conference games featuring top teams in an exciting slate.
    — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of conferences

Browse Nearby Words

council
councils
counsel
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Cite this Entry

“Councils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/councils. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of councils for Spanish Speakers

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