consensus

noun

con·​sen·​sus kən-ˈsen(t)-səs How to pronounce consensus (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: general agreement : unanimity
the consensus of their opinion, based on reports … from the borderJohn Hersey
b
: the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned
the consensus was to go ahead
2
: 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 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.
Recent Examples on the Web The image of a hidebound fundamentalist then gave way to a consensus that Johnson lacked the backbone to lead effectively. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 That's the consensus among the people caring for him — alongside dozens of other adoptable dogs — at the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC). Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 The consensus is to tip the standard 20% of the original, non-discounted price. Maddy Zollo Rusbosin, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2024 While no one else's meat was as tough as mine, the consensus from our group of six was that the food was bad. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Well … The remaining books have their fans and detractors, but the general consensus is the saga never comes close to achieving the dramatic heights of the first novel. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 While no one else’s meat was as tough as mine, the consensus from our group of six was that the food was bad. Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 The results demonstrated that, even among IEEE’s membership, there is no clear consensus on a definition of AI. Carlos Ignacio Gutierrez, IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2024 There was little consensus on how to even define what a space weapon is, given how many technologies, including missile defense interceptors, can attack satellites. Aaron Bateman, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consensus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of consensus was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near consensus

Cite this Entry

“Consensus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consensus. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

consensus

noun
con·​sen·​sus kən-ˈsen(t)-səs How to pronounce consensus (audio)
plural consensuses
1
: general agreement
the consensus of opinion
2
: the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned
the consensus was to go ahead

More from Merriam-Webster on consensus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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