1
as in lawyer
a person whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise about legal rights and obligations
if you cannot afford counsel, one will be provided for you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in advice
an opinion suggesting a wise or proper course of action
I suggest you take the teacher's counsel
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in consult
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
she approved the move after a counsel with her advisers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in to guide
to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed
every year the admissions officer counsels thousands of students about the process of applying to college
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to advise
to give advice to
perhaps a psychologist would be better qualified to counsel you
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counsel
Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
Marylin Batista, who was then general counsel, drafted new rules in 2023 to try to ensure closed-door meetings adhered to state law.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
Sandlund, who has counseled executives in Walden’s position before, suggests her best strategy is to sit tight.
—Claire Zillman, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counsel
Noun
In March 2025, the company named a general counsel, Yitai Hu, who was previously its senior vice president of corporate development.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
Marylin Batista, who was then general counsel, drafted new rules in 2023 to try to ensure closed-door meetings adhered to state law.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
With a vibe that throws back to another era of studio comedies, the project tells of a psychologist couple whose parenting philosophy is put to the ultimate test when they’re forced to counsel a crime boss’s dysfunctional family while being held hostage at a hotel.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
Sandlund, who has counseled executives in Walden’s position before, suggests her best strategy is to sit tight.
—Claire Zillman, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counsel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counsel
Noun
-
Reiner’s lawyers may plead insanity as part of his defense in connection with a long history of drug use and other mental health disorders.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The third, a former FBI lawyer, pleaded guilty.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Traveling doesn’t get better than following the advice of locals.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
-
When asked about how to succeed during this moment of disruption, Cherny offered some advice.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Adults interested in becoming students again may want to assess their time and budgets, and weigh the potential benefits and consequences, including the financial impact, the potential for burnout and rewards of education that may take a while materialize, academic advisors say.—
Cheyanne Mumphrey,
Fortune,
22 Feb. 2026
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And, frankly, as the president's advisers reviewed – reviewed this action, this authority allows the president to go up to 15 percent.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Brian Herman 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.—
Brian Herman,
The Conversation,
20 Feb. 2026
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Alongside her team, this pioneering expert consults with the FBI to solve the most baffling and elusive cases.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Community colleges may not confer more than an associate’s degree under current law.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
20 Feb. 2026
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The law’s powers can be invoked only after a formal declaration of national emergency, and the word tariff appears nowhere among the powers conferred upon the president by the law.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ultimately, whether the jury sides for or against Kaley in her case, the decision could guide the legal strategy and outcomes for both plaintiffs and the companies in other cases.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
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In tandem with the spring wildflowers, there are typically guided birding excursions and talks on Shenandoah National Park’s spring ecosystems.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While conditions remain dangerous, experts advise reading the avalanche forecast, skiing with local expert guides and choosing shallower slopes to ski off-piste.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
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Athletes seeking their new professional passion upon retirement should be looking out for a good energy match, the champion rower advises.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Trade publications suggest Quantum Fiber customers can expect equipment swaps and the potential need to find new internet service providers in the future.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
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But the broader context suggests something more deliberate.—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counsel. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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