counseling 1 of 3

variants or counselling
Definition of counselingnext

counseling

2 of 3

adjective

variants or counselling

counseling

3 of 3

verb

variants or counselling
present participle of counsel
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2
3
4
as in suggesting
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 counseling
Noun
The younger gray had also struggled with mental health issues and his father had sought counseling for him. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026 Colin Gray was also aware his son’s mental health had deteriorated and had sought help from a counseling service weeks before the shooting, an investigator testified. ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than half of pediatricians report spending from 10 to 19 minutes counseling parents about vaccines, and nearly 1 in 10 spend more than 20 minutes – often several times per day. Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026 The two-story building will have offices, counseling rooms, meeting rooms, a childcare area and a chapel. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counseling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counseling
Noun
  • The implication is that art should be a safe space, divested of surprise or shock, into which folk can enter with the polite reassurance that their daily journey through the world will not be substantially disrupted.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
  • As the Cubs welcomed players from Nippon Professional Baseball — and managed relationships with their families, agents and support staff — Masamoto’s background provided some credibility and reassurance.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • McKinsey could also slash as many as 2,000 non-consulting staff in one of its biggest round of layoffs ever, Bloomberg reported last month, citing unnamed sources close to the matter.
    Anna Cooban, CNN, 23 Mar. 2023
  • In an email to AL.com, Jones said Alabama Writers’ Forum will have a consulting role with the initiative, including assisting with publicity and sharing contacts across the state to help promote events or connect delegates with partners.
    Shauna Stuart | sstuart@al.com, al, 3 Oct. 2022
Verb
  • My guiding principle would be protecting American interests while avoiding unnecessary entanglements—making decisions grounded in facts, realism, and a clear understanding of the regional, economic, and security implications involved.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • My guiding principle is not ideology, but outcomes — what works, what is fair and what measurably improves the quality of life for the people of Mecklenburg County.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For example, media scrutiny and social media attention around an executive’s relationship with Epstein could cost a Wall Street bank a lucrative role advising on an IPO or a mega merger.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Duvall was a master of subtlety as an Irishman among Italians, rarely at the center of a scene, but often listening and advising in the background, an irreplaceable thread through the saga of the Corleone crime family.
    BOB THOMAS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But in 2026, that dream may be out of reach, with recent studies suggesting that the average middle-class worker would need to save for 52 years to be classified as wealthy.
    Alexa Beck, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Across all participants, body mass index stood out as one of the strongest drivers of oral microbial variation, suggesting the microbiome of the mouth may reflect a broader metabolic state.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Referenda can be advisory or binding; so far, in the Illinois primary for 2026, all referenda on ballots appear to be advisory referenda.
    Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Beatrice operates a tech advisory firm while Eugenie works for art gallery Hauser and Worth.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Flash forward to today, and Foley is coaching his son Ryan, who helped contribute to that win.
    Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Fortson championed the growth of girls wrestling, which included coaching one of his own, Destiny Miles, to individual state championships in 2019 and 2020.
    Rick Kretzschmar, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For Abdrabbou, who in 2024 established SAMARKAND, a cultural initiative dedicated to preserving and teaching tatreez, practicing the art feels most keenly like a way to honor her heritage.
    Zoe Whitfield, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The 89th Legislature passed a bill this last session that eliminated DEI in the schools, however, many schools are still teaching it.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Counseling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counseling. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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