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Synonyms

synod

American  
[sin-uhd] / ˈsɪn əd /

noun

  1. 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.

  2. any council.


synod British  
/ ˈsɪnəd, ˈsɪnɒd /

noun

  1. a local or special ecclesiastical council, esp of a diocese, formally convened to discuss ecclesiastical affairs

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

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.

See Examples For:

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

The Church's lead safeguarding bishop, Joanne Grenfell, said the synod will give "deep and detailed attention" to different safeguarding models.

From BBC ● Feb. 10, 2025

The synod aims to make the church more inclusive and reflective of and responsive to the needs of rank-and-file Catholics.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 17, 2023

Most recently, the cardinal held a conference called The Synodal Babel in Rome on the eve of the Pope's synod, or meeting of bishops, last month.

From BBC ● Nov. 29, 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

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