1
as in lawyers
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 consultants
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
1
as in consults
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 guides
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 advises
to give advice to
perhaps a psychologist would be better qualified to counsel you
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4
as in suggests
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counsels
Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Harder, Martin counsels, demonstrating proper technique.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2025
Radford, Seidule said, would be subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, under which the military has its own judges and prosecuting counsels.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
One letter, signed by close to 50 cybersecurity professionals, warned of the chilling effect the verdict would have on decision making by CISOs and the balance of responsibility with general counsels, CEOs, and other members of the C-suite.
—Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Harder, Martin counsels, demonstrating proper technique.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2025
Radford, Seidule said, would be subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, under which the military has its own judges and prosecuting counsels.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counsels
Noun
-
Despite lacking any legal education or experience, Routh dismissed his lawyers earlier this year and intends to defend himself at trial.—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
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Her lawyers are now planning to file a damages lawsuit against the South Korean government, JTBC reported.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This new trend, identified by employment consultants at Korn Ferry, describes workers clinging to their current positions rather than seeking new opportunities elsewhere.—
Kara Dennison,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Cybersecurity specialists, penetration testers, and security consultants are seeing similar demand.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The team consults the Urban Dictionary for meanings of less common terms and reviews an internal document of objectionable configurations.—
Angele Latham,
The Tennessean,
3 Sep. 2025
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The team consults the Urban Dictionary for meanings of less common terms and reviews an internal document of objectionable configurations.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Sarah’s deep sense of heritage, informed by her parents’ journey from Barbados to south London, often guides her choices.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
11 Sep. 2025
-
As Barberot guides Expliseat through its next growth phase, balancing rapid expansion with operational excellence will be critical.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In June, Kennedy purged all 17 highly qualified and thoroughly vetted members of the committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on setting vaccine policy.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
15 Sep. 2025
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PetMD advises a bland, easy-to-digest diet made up of lean proteins such as chicken or turkey, simple carbohydrates like rice or potatoes, and low fat content.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As far as use goes, the brand suggests cleansing as usual before using the bar as a second cleanse to kill the acne-causing oils and bacteria and offer deeper exfoliation.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Our analysis suggests that a favorable outcome is probable, albeit one that may require investors and clients to adopt a long-term perspective.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Here’s what each royal inherited from Queen Elizabeth So, the King’s decision to meet with his youngest son doesn’t just put him in direct opposition to Prince William, but also one of his closest advisors.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
13 Sep. 2025
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That valuation may change as Lendbuzz and its advisors hold discussions with investors.—
Leslie Picker,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Bill Koch—former CEO and seasoned advisor—coaches senior executives to be leaders worth following.—
Bill Koch,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Our Herbed Prime Rib Recipe with Two Sauces coaches you through how to master a luscious Merlot Au Jus.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counsels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counsels. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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