counseling 1 of 3

noun

variants or counselling
Definition of counselingnext
as in reassurance

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counseling

2 of 3

adjective

variants or counselling
as in consulting

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counseling

3 of 3

verb

variants or counselling
present participle of counsel
1
as in conferring
to exchange viewpoints or seek advice for the purpose of finding a solution to a problem concerned parents counseling about the problem of substance abuse in their community

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2
as in guiding
to give advice and instruction to (someone) regarding the course or process to be followed every year the admissions officer counsels thousands of students about the process of applying to college

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3
as in advising
to give advice to perhaps a psychologist would be better qualified to counsel you

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4
as in suggesting
to put (something) forward as one's choice for a wise or proper course of action I would counsel caution and deliberation in this sensitive matter

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of counseling
Noun
Residents will have access to supportive services like budget counseling, employment coaching, health and wellness programs and more. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026 The university said its counseling center is available to impacted students. — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
Vrabel even missed one day of the NFL Draft as part of that counseling regimen. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Veteran stars Derwin James and Khalil Mack, both versed in big paydays, are counseling Tuipulotu as teammates await his full return to practice. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for counseling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counseling
  1. reassurance
  2. consulting
  3. guiding
  4. advising
  5. suggesting
  6. consolation
  7. advisory
  8. coaching
Noun
  • But despite the reassurances from Russia's government, the lack of any clear explanation for Shiplova's death has left rumors to swirl about what might have killed her, and what work might be underway at the Russian research center.
    — Tucker Reals, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • What Could Be Next Expect the diet-odor conversation to keep expanding on three fronts over the coming months, and expect each one to carry a practical choice for readers who want results, not reassurance.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of reassurance
Adjective
  • McKinsey could also slash as many as 2,000 non-consulting staff in one of its biggest round of layoffs ever, Bloomberg reported last month, citing unnamed sources close to the matter.
    — Anna Cooban, CNN, 23 Mar. 2023
  • The report also found McKinsey officials used their contract with the government to drum up even more consulting work with private companies.
    — Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2022
Definition of consulting
Verb
  • The mindful alignment of body and mind is the guiding maxim of the spa.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The brand describes the formula as peroxide-free and positions the 460 nm visible blue light, PAP toothpaste and light-guiding brush head as one whitening system used during brushing.
    — Advertorial, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of guiding
Verb
  • René Rossman René Rossman is a product development manager advising across all color categories at MAC Cosmetics.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In early September, the Department of Health and Human Services hosted a three-hour event advising parents and children to live life off-screen.
    — Darius Tahir, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of advising
Verb
  • The presidential candidates who came in third, fourth, and fifth place are all right-wing, suggesting that Bolsonaro could have a natural pool of voters to draw from in the runoff.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The gulf diplomat said the investigation, which hasn’t concluded, hasn’t found any connections with militant groups, suggesting the copilot acted on his own.
    — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of suggesting
Noun
  • But the consolations of art do not depend on achievement, and that might be Kingsolver’s most direct riposte to her critics.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • In these cases, a president can act as a moral force, particularly in consolation.
    — John Dickerson, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of consolation
Adjective
  • Sentencing fight Federal probation officials calculated Rivera’s advisory sentencing range at 262 to 327 months, driven largely by the money-laundering convictions and sentencing enhancements.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Because the commission is advisory, the subcommittee can opt to bypass their recommendation and put the name before the City Council for approval.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of advisory
Verb
  • On the same day the Rams lost to the Eagles last season, Ventrone was coaching for the Browns, who blocked a field-goal attempt by the Green Bay Packers with less than 30 seconds left, and then won the game with a field goal.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Much of coaching football is taking ideas from your predecessors and adopting them as your own with a personal twist.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of coaching

Browse Nearby Words

counselee
counseling
counselor
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Cite this Entry

“Counseling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counseling. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on counseling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about counseling

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