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
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 counsel
Dan Hauck,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The complaint argues that testimony conflicts with contemporaneous Jones Day press releases describing her as leading the litigation team, as well as Supreme Court filings listing her as counsel of record.
—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
30 June 2026
Daniel B. Shapiro,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
With such heavy concentration in what will likely be a volatile stock, advisors typically counsel clients to diversify.
—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for counsel
Noun
Firms operate under a web of client restrictions, matter-level policies, outside counsel guidelines and jurisdiction-specific requirements that change continuously.
—
Dan Hauck,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The complaint argues that testimony conflicts with contemporaneous Jones Day press releases describing her as leading the litigation team, as well as Supreme Court filings listing her as counsel of record.
—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
30 June 2026
Verb
His own intelligence experts and Cabinet officials counseled otherwise.
—
Daniel B. Shapiro,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
With such heavy concentration in what will likely be a volatile stock, advisors typically counsel clients to diversify.
—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for counsel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counsel
Noun
-
The justices, too, seemed eager to embrace electronic recording in cases where no court reporter is available and litigants cannot afford to pay for one on their own, repeatedly pressing lawyers on exactly how such a ruling might be written.
-
Attorneys and the judge prepared the jury charge, which contains the instructions for the panel’s deliberations, and the lawyers made their closing arguments on Monday afternoon.
Noun
-
This column is designed to be educational and informational only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
-
Banks are starting to explore using AI to boost the productivity of their wealth management departments, especially as rising incomes and wealth boost the demand for financial advice.
Noun
-
In early 2025, Madden moved her account to Grove Bank & Trust in Miami and soon learned from the bank that her former Northern Trust investment adviser — Walters — had been using her money to pay off his large credit card debts.
-
Goldman's momentum has continued into the third quarter, with the bank serving as the lead advisor for Solstice Advanced Materials in the company's bid for Element Solutions .
Noun
-
Emma Fenske 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.
-
Benny’s work schedule is consult-based, with staff members or caregivers requesting his services.
Verb
-
Adnan’s accolades not only confer prestige, but also map the breadth of her swooping orbit.
-
And the company doing the genuine, expensive work of transition loses the one advantage the label was meant to confer, cheaper capital and patient shareholders who believe the plan.
Verb
-
Queiroz is confident his experience can help guide a team of talented players, many of whom also play in some of the biggest pro leagues in the world.
-
Whether the future is guided by a more centralized federal framework or a complex matrix of state-level consumer protections, the race to a multi-billion-dollar digital overhaul is already well underway.
Verb
-
Enterprises are advised to carefully evaluate these solutions based on ownership, cost, and enforcement, as the industry seeks to standardize this critical layer for AI agent deployment.
-
To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Verb
-
Bryan West The couple's nuptials reportedly will be a multi-day event; The New York Times suggested a smaller gathering of about 100 people will take place July 2, with a much bigger celebration on July 3.
-
The score might not suggest dominance, but Colombia controlled the game from the outset and held possession for nearly two-thirds of the match.
Cite this Entry
“Counsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counsel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
