consensus

noun

con·sen·sus kən-�?sen(t)-səs

often attributive

Synonyms of consensus next

: general agreement : unanimity

the consensus of their opinion, based on reports … from the border—

John Hersey

: the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned

the consensus was to go ahead

: group solidarity in sentiment and belief

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 2024

… 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.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

While there was some disagreement over the veracity of Trump’s threats, there was consensus that the president’s strategy has not shifted from his first term. —

Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Jan. 2025 That’s higher than Visible Alpha’s 19.68% consensus. —

Jordan Novet, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025 This fares better than the consensus estimates of $91.0 billion and $10.56 per share, respectively. —

Trefis Team, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Healthcare bills go against professional and scientific consensus that gender-affirming care saves lives. —

Trans Formations Project, Them, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for consensus

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "agreement, concord," from Latin consentīre "to join in feeling, be in agreement, concur in opinion" + -tus, suffix of action nouns — more at consent entry 1

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of consensus was in 1633

See more words from the same year