conclaves

noun

plural of conclave
as in synods
formal a private or secret meeting or group a conclave of bishops

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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conclaves
  1. meetings
  2. gatherings
  3. caucuses
  4. conventions
Noun
  • Here’s a closer look at the remaining meetings between division contenders.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Every single practice, right after the position meetings, Coach Reid and his staff come back.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of meetings
Noun
  • Efforts to bring the outbreak under control — from limited public gatherings to social distancing and airport closures — have disrupted life in the six affected provinces, particularly Ituri, which has been ravaged by rebel violence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The problem is that W tends to put a significant damper on gatherings.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of gatherings
Noun
  • Republicans are already committed to making the Iowa caucuses their first contest in 2028, and delaying the Democratic caucus could reinforce the idea that Democrats don’t prioritize rural voters, the Iowa presenters said.
    — Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of caucuses
Noun
  • Usually that’s taken care of by airing both party conventions — but Democrats aren’t holding any such midterm equivalent.
    — Daniel Strauss, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Learn all about some of the most prominent unwritten rules and conventions of America’s national pastime.
    — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of conventions

Browse Nearby Words

conclave
conclaves
conclude
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Cite this Entry

“Conclaves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conclaves. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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