Definition of counselnext
1
2
3
as in adviser
a person who gives advice especially professionally the toy manufacturer hired a public relations counsel to do some damage control

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

counsel

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to consult
to exchange viewpoints or seek advice for the purpose of finding a solution to a problem concerned parents counseling about the problem of substance abuse in their community

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
as in to suggest
to put (something) forward as one's choice for a wise or proper course of action I would counsel caution and deliberation in this sensitive matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 counsel
Noun
This counsel recalls the approach of former President Ronald Reagan, when negotiating nuclear weapons treaties with the Soviet Union in the 1980s. The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2026 Since Bruce's death, the GoFundMe has raised over $12,000 in donations to support Bruce's owners with cremation costs as well as any additional legal counsel costs. Noe Padilla, USA Today, 20 July 2026
Verb
In 2023, for example, Texas voted to allow public schools to hire religious chaplains to counsel students. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Families are still receiving outdated information and, in some cases, being counseled as though there is only one reasonable path forward. Michelle Sie Whitten, STAT, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for counsel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counsel
Noun
  • Blinken and the White House turned to lawyers at the State Department and the National Security Council, who took a highly technical approach.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • His lawyers said others had access to his devices and cited signs of hacking.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the device, Tang and Collier shared some compelling advice for spending less time on your phone starting right now.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 July 2026
  • That trust is reinforced by a constant focus on improving governance, not solely by directives but by taking in the best advice from all stakeholders.
    Liron Zaslansky, semafor.com, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Gas prices are not expected to decline anytime soon, according to Tom Kloza, an independent oil analyst and advisor to Gulf Oil.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • But Biden and his advisers remembered previous diplomatic and political tangles with Israel over Gaza.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Matthew Pittman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
    Matthew Pittman, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
  • Benny’s work schedule is consult-based, with staff members or caregivers requesting his services.
    Zuri Primos June 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • However, after throwing off flat ground Friday at Yankee Stadium and conferring with the training staff, the organization decided to temporarily shut Ohtani down from pitching.
    Katie Woo, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • The spokesperson said work authorization does not confer legal status.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • On Joseph’s team, Aaron says the Gullah Geechee people and their deftness with indigo dye are guiding the designers’ shades of blue.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • OpenAI has said its ChatGPT program is trained to recognize signs of emotional distress, de-escalate situations, and guide users to real-life support.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Varela noted that a different United representative had advised them by phone to arrive at SFO early Tuesday so airport customer service could fix the error.
    Thom Jensen, NBC news, 20 July 2026
  • For precaution, the weather service advises anyone spending time outdoors to know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include dizziness, thirst, nausea, heavy sweating and weakness.
    Ruth Abramovitz, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • And Bobby also suggested an appetizer featuring his favorite cut of male raccoon roadkill.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • In court Friday, prosecutors introduced messages from late 2024 and early 2025 that suggested increasing strain in the relationship.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counsel. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on counsel

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster