1
as in lawyer
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 advice
an opinion suggesting a wise or proper course of action
I suggest you take the teacher's counsel
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in adviser
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
4
as in consult
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
she approved the move after a counsel with her advisers
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to consult
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 to guide
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 to advise
to give advice to
perhaps a psychologist would be better qualified to counsel you
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counsel
Natalie La Roche Pietri, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
After the family retained outside counsel, in 2025 the Jackson estate filed a legal petition to compel arbitration with the Cascios.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Redberg, for example, counsels older patients about diet, exercise and weight loss but does not urge them to start medication to reduce a 135 systolic reading to below 120.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counsel
Noun
Part of the agenda item at next week’s meeting also directs the general counsel to develop policies regarding the use of the district’s name and/or logo.
—Natalie La Roche Pietri, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
After the family retained outside counsel, in 2025 the Jackson estate filed a legal petition to compel arbitration with the Cascios.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
But the unit commander was required to seek input from medical and religious representatives, while also counseling the service member on the potential impact on their ability to deploy.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Redberg, for example, counsels older patients about diet, exercise and weight loss but does not urge them to start medication to reduce a 135 systolic reading to below 120.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counsel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counsel
Noun
-
The group contains multiple doctors and lawyers.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Washington Post,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Horner’s mother was one of the first defense witnesses to testify last week as Horner’s lawyers try to convince the jury that he should be sentenced to life in prison without parole instead of the death penalty.—
Amy McDaniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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While written on the advice of the British government, much of the language and tone come from Charles himself, the source added.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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On the spot, Mary Kay began applying the advice in her notes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An epiphany Through the years since Sherman began speaking publicly about moving the team from Kauffman Stadium to a modern home most preferably in the city, Hall was a frequent advisor — or at least an ear.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Apr. 2026
-
This week, Bloomberg interviews White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett and takes a look at carbon-market costs.—
Tim Quinson,
Bloomberg,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Mavra Javed does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.—
Mavra Javed,
The Conversation,
24 Apr. 2026
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And immigration attorney Amandeep Hayer said his Vancouver, British Columbia, area practice went from about 200 citizenship cases a year to more than 20 consults per day.—
Sarah Raza,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Yet without laws allowing for domestic partnerships of three or more people, they are left spending thousands of dollars on attorney’s fees to craft a patchwork of legal agreements that afford just small fraction of the contractual protection conferred to married couples by default.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Work authorization does not confer any legal status to be in the country.—
Laura Romero,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That process started with those trades and continued into free agency, when Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn prioritized veteran players to help guide a young roster.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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There are also in-room massages, guided hikes through surrounding trails, and sound healing sessions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Altman is a booster for San Francisco, advising its mayor and expanding OpenAI’s offices here, while Musk shuns the city and now lives in Texas.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
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Homes in the vicinity have been evacuated and members of the public are advised to avoid the area, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said on Sunday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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During closing arguments, Lynn Johnson, an attorney for Christine and Christopher Nolte, suggested the jury award $10 million for noneconomic damages and $5 million for economic damages.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
29 Apr. 2026
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Lithgow’s performance suggests without any softening of tone or characterization that Dahl’s deep well of feeling for the suffering of children is the source of his harsh condemnation of Israel’s actions in Lebanon.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counsel. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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