as in synods
formal
a private or secret meeting or group
a conclave of bishops
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Recent Examples of conclaves
In 16th-century Italy, gamblers could wager on the election of civic magistrates and the outcome of papal conclaves.
—
Parker Bach, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
Behind the large wooden door, its frescoed walls closed to the general public reveal details of the compound's dramatic history, including papal conclaves and the Inquisition interrogation of Galileo Galilei.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Parker Bach, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
Behind the large wooden door, its frescoed walls closed to the general public reveal details of the compound's dramatic history, including papal conclaves and the Inquisition interrogation of Galileo Galilei.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclaves
Noun
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The teams split two previous meetings, so the winner Monday wins the tiebreaker if the teams finish tie.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
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Curtis Reigh, one of nine Republicans running for county commissioner, also cited the lack of public comment at board meetings as a reason for increased interest among candidates, including younger contenders.—
Rhiannon Evans,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Breakfast at Sophia works perfectly for multi-generational gatherings.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
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On Sunday, police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the church, citing security concerns as Israel enforces a ban on gatherings in synagogues, churches and mosques during the ongoing war with Iran, which has brought missile strikes near holy sites.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada have traditionally been among the first states to hold presidential primaries or caucuses, although neither party has set its formal presidential primary and caucus calendar yet.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
23 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
It’s been very exciting, seeing everyone at conventions dressed as me in my outfits.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
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The process is quick and unremarkable to anyone familiar with the studio-shoot culture of the city, where the backdrops change but the conventions stay the same.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conclaves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclaves. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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