consensus

noun

con·​sen·​sus kən-ˈsen(t)-səs 

often attributive

1

a

: general agreement : unanimity

the consensus of their opinion, based on reports … from the border

—John Hersey

b

: the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned

the consensus was to go ahead

2

: group solidarity in sentiment and belief

Is the phrase consensus of opinion redundant?: Usage Guide

The phrase consensus of opinion, which is not actually redundant (see sense 1a; the sense that takes the phrase is slightly older), has been so often claimed to be a redundancy that many writers avoid it. You are safe in using consensus alone when it is clear you mean consensus of opinion, and most writers in fact do so.

Synonyms

• agreement
• unison

Examples of consensus in a Sentence

Yet despite this and other dust-ups during the convention, the general consensus is that Episcopalians weathered this one with their customary civility intact. —Antonio Ramirez, Commonweal, 12 Sept. 1997

Despite years of debate over the best wine to serve at Thanksgiving, no real consensus has emerged. —Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 30 Nov. 1995

Beyond the general goal of sustainability, there was little consensus at the conference on how to get from here to there. —Constance Holden, Science, 6 July 1990

… it is the consensus of opinion that the Iceni in their geographic isolation remained 'Celtic' … —Antonia Fraser, The Warrior Queens, 1988

Everyone on the council seems to understand the need for consensus.

There is a lack of consensus among the citizens.

The decision was made by consensus.

Recent Examples on the Web

If the American consensus is that China cheats on trade and dreams of global domination, the Chinese view is that America is just the latest in a long line of colonial powers that plot to keep their country down. —Christopher Smart, Time, 29 Oct. 2025

Here, there was a consensus across the political spectrum, with 88% of Democrats, 86% of Republicans and 85% of independents opposing a pardon. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025

In the United States, bipartisan consensus is painfully hard to achieve—except on the issue of China. —Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025

The results were broadly in line with market consensus. —Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "agreement, concord," from Latin consentīre "to join in feeling, be in agreement, concur in opinion" + -tus, suffix of action nouns — more at consent entry 1

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing consensus

• consensus of opinion
• growing consensus
• reach a consensus

Rhymes for consensus

• amanuensis
• melitensis
• census

Kids Definition

consensus

noun

con·​sen·​sus kən-ˈsen(t)-səs 

plural consensuses

1

: general agreement

the consensus of opinion

2

: the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned

the consensus was to go ahead