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
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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
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
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Johnson, a constitutional lawyer, backed up the administration.
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Walton had found his calling in the courts and lawyers, then as now, often dabbled in politics.
Noun
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This column is designed to be educational and informational only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
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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
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Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general, and Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and adviser to conservative British politicians, are competing to replace Newsom.
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The goal is to redirect human advisors toward the parts of a deal that require judgment and trust.
Noun
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The law requires that the DHS secretary consult with other government agencies before designating a country for TPS.
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Nissen consults for statin-makers AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis and Pfizer but does not receive financial compensation.
Verb
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He was seen quietly conferring with his lawyers and appeared focused.
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Earlier this year, as his nomination and confirmation were playing out, the general counsels of the regional banks conferred over how easily reserve bank presidents could be removed by a majority vote of the Board of Governors, according to people familiar with the matter.
Verb
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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.
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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
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Agriculture regulators advise home gardeners to either consume homegrown produce on site or not move it at all from the property to prevent the spread of the fly to nearby regions.
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Republicans have repeatedly echoed the concerns of the Legislative Analyst’s Office — which advises the Legislature on fiscal matters — about the state’s spending.
Verb
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Christensen suggests the state should instead focus on stripping back environmental regulations that make brush clearance and fire prevention costly, which would ensure state firefighters are not working excessive overtime and the state budget is not being stretched beyond its means.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday called for a major expansion of the country's naval forces, suggesting the regime should build two large warships each year for the next five years.
Cite this Entry
“Counsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counsel. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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