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consensus

noun, often attributive
con·​sen·​sus | \ kÉ™n-ˈsen(t)-sÉ™s How to pronounce consensus (audio) \

Definition of consensus

1a : general agreement : unanimity the consensus of their opinion, based on reports … from the border— John Hersey
b : the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned the consensus was to go ahead
2 : group solidarity in sentiment and belief
Synonyms & Antonyms Is the phrase consensus of opinion redundant?: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about consensus

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Is the phrase consensus of opinion redundant?: Usage Guide

The phrase consensus of opinion, which is not actually redundant (see sense 1a; the sense that takes the phrase is slightly older), has been so often claimed to be a redundancy that many writers avoid it. You are safe in using consensus alone when it is clear you mean consensus of opinion, and most writers in fact do so.

Examples of consensus in a Sentence

Yet despite this and other dust-ups during the convention, the general consensus is that Episcopalians weathered this one with their customary civility intact. — Antonio Ramirez, Commonweal, 12 Sept. 1997 Despite years of debate over the best wine to serve at Thanksgiving, no real consensus has emerged. — Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 30 Nov. 1995 Beyond the general goal of sustainability, there was little consensus at the conference on how to get from here to there. — Constance Holden, Science, 6 July 1990 … it is the consensus of opinion that the Iceni in their geographic isolation remained 'Celtic' … — Antonia Fraser, The Warrior Queens, 1988 Everyone on the council seems to understand the need for consensus. There is a lack of consensus among the citizens. The decision was made by consensus.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The result is that TIFF has become ground zero in establishing consensus, not just about who will win reputation-burnishing (and box office-plumping) awards, but who will be able to compete in the first place. — Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, "Want to know who will rule the upcoming awards season? Keep an eye on Toronto, the Oscar kingmaker.," 30 Aug. 2019 During the overnight hours there was increasing consensus between the European and American forecast models — putting Dorian somewhere in the vicinity of South to Central Florida. — David Fleshler, sun-sentinel.com, "Hurricane Dorian track still aimed at South Florida, and projected Category 4 strength could bring massive storm surge," 30 Aug. 2019 The consensus says the film shines in meditative moments that mine Roy’s inner demons to convey deeper ideas related to father-son relationships, masculinity, and even the motivation to journey into space. — Rachel Yang, EW.com, "First Ad Astra reviews say Brad Pitt shines in thoughtful, slightly familiar movie," 29 Aug. 2019 The former five-star recruit was the consensus top player in 2018 coming out of high school and broke the Blue Devils' freshman scoring record with 33 points and six assists in his college debut against No. 2 Kentucky at the Champions Classic. — Emily Caron, SI.com, "Knicks Rookie R.J. Barrett Signs Multiyear Shoe Contract with Puma," 28 Aug. 2019 Pace was named a consensus All-American in 1995 and ‘96, also winning the John Outland Trophy then. — Kevin Allen, USA TODAY, "We're on a mission to identify the *best* college football player of all time: Here are the 64 contenders," 26 Aug. 2019 Finding consensus among the business groups on that issue could be tough. — Jon Chesto, BostonGlobe.com, "Raise Up letter tests progressive group’s relationship with business community," 26 Aug. 2019 Despite the overwhelming consensus from the international community that the Syrian government and its ally Russia are intentionally targeting civilians in a military campaign, both Damascus and Moscow have rebutted the accusations. — Fox News, "Syrian airstrikes kill more than 100 civilians in 10 days: UN," 27 July 2019 The general social media consensus so far unsurprisingly confirms that Marshmallows do not approve of Logan’s death. — Ariana Brockington, refinery29.com, "Real Talk: Did That Tragic Veronica Mars Twist Really Need To Happen?," 25 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'consensus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of consensus

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for consensus

Latin, from consentire — see consent entry 1

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More Definitions for consensus

consensus

noun
How to pronounce consensus (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of consensus

: a general agreement about something : an idea or opinion that is shared by all the people in a group

See the full definition for consensus in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on consensus

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for consensus

Spanish Central: Translation of consensus

Nglish: Translation of consensus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of consensus for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about consensus

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