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
Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2026
Stephen Miller has not recused himself from matters related to sponsors of Katie’s podcast, however, because the White House counsel has concluded that sponsorships differ from consulting arrangements.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
The move follows arguments from Maduro’s defense team, led by attorney Barry Pollack, that restrictions on payments violated the Sixth Amendment right to counsel by preventing him from choosing his legal representation.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counsel
Noun
Of counsel to a law firm run by — who else?
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2026
Stephen Miller has not recused himself from matters related to sponsors of Katie’s podcast, however, because the White House counsel has concluded that sponsorships differ from consulting arrangements.
—Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Verb
Blogoslawski’s personnel file showed a series of efforts to counsel her throughout 2024 and into 2025 by a former finance director, Jonathan Perugini.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
The move follows arguments from Maduro’s defense team, led by attorney Barry Pollack, that restrictions on payments violated the Sixth Amendment right to counsel by preventing him from choosing his legal representation.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counsel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counsel
Noun
-
Adani’s lawyer, Robert Giuffra, declined to comment.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
-
The supporting cast across the board is authentic to the core, with Carlehed’s sympathetic friend and lawyer especially fine.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
18 May 2026
Noun
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But Bowen, 35, has been managing it for 10 years, making sales, offering advice and hearing travelers’ tales, which almost always come with surprises.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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As Christopher Morel prepared to step into the batter’s box in the eighth inning for a crucial at-bat on Sunday, Connor Norby and Heriberto Hernandez approached their teammate and gave him some advice.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Patrick Gaspard, a Mamdani adviser, served as a liaison between the campaign and Jeffries.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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But as any financial advisor would warn, each decade of delay reduces the amount of money available at retirement by roughly half.—
Mary Moreland,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
Noun
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The next steps are psychological consults, a physical exam, uterine evaluation and blood work.—
Ann Marie Luft,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
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Tirias Research tracks and consults for companies throughout the electronics ecosystem from semiconductors to systems and sensors to the cloud.—
Francis Sideco,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Third base umpire Jordan Baker signaled out but after conferring with his crew ruled Lewis had used his right foot to leave Chourio no path to the base.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
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The other is fooling humans, particularly the dwindling number of journalists, critics, and other gatekeepers who are still capable of conferring legitimacy by paying attention.—
Lane Brown,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Rodgers, 42, guided the Steelers to an AFC North title last year, throwing for 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.—
Will Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
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Its document generation tools guide founders through complex legal processes step by step, reducing errors and ensuring completeness.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Lupe Todd-Medina, a Democratic strategist and a longtime Jeffries ally, is currently advising a State Senate candidate running against Brisport.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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State police later spoke to Vargas’ mother who said their lawyer had advised them not to talk to investigators and would contact police on their behalf, according to the warrant affidavit.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Most recently, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has suggested that surrogacy is human trafficking and constitutes modern-day slavery.—
Ann Marie Luft,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
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Iran’s ambassador to China has also suggested the communist state could play a powerful mediator role between Washington and Tehran.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counsel. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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