synod
Americannoun
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an assembly of ecclesiastics or other church delegates, convoked pursuant to the law of the church, for the discussion and decision of ecclesiastical affairs; ecclesiastical council.
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any council.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of synod
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin synodus < Greek sýnodos meeting, equivalent to syn- syn- + ( h ) odós way
Vocabulary lists containing synod
World Religions
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"The Minister's Black Veil," Vocabulary from the short story
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"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pastor Marlin, 57, said the Protestant synod also helps in cases of violence against women and children "if the victims speak up".
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
Bishop of Blackburn Philip North - who tabled the amendment slimming down the choice put before the synod to one option - argued that the simpler model could be implemented more quickly.
From BBC ● Feb. 11, 2025
All of the synod members voted on each of 151 proposals.
From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2024
And on the eve of Francis’ big meeting of bishops last month, known as a synod, Burke presided over a counter-synod of sorts just steps away from St. Peter’s Square.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 28, 2023
Fifteen years later a synod declared: Item, we forbid to monks, regular canons and nuns coloured garments or bed clothes, save those dyed black.
From Medieval English Nunneries c. 1275 to 1535 by Eileen Power
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.