Convention — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /kən-ˈven(t)-shən/ con·ven·tion

Meaning & Definition of Convention

Convention (noun)

  1. agreement, contract
  2. an agreement between states for regulation of matters affecting all of them
  3. a compact between opposing commanders especially concerning prisoner exchange or armistice

Convention (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a coming together of a number of persons for a specified purpose

    "attended a convention of mathematicians in California"

    similar: assembly, congress, convocation, council, gathering, get-together, huddle, meeting
    related: clinic, workshop, cabinet, caucus, conclave, synod, demonstration, rally, confab, conversation, dialogue, discourse, discussion, palaver, talk, negotiation, parley, summit, conference, forum, round-robin, roundtable, seminar, symposium, audience, interview, session

  2. a formal agreement between two or more nations or peoples

    "an international convention banning the spread of nuclear weapons"

    similar: accord, alliance, compact, covenant, pact, treaty
    related: entente, entente cordiale, bargain, bond, charter, concord, contract, deal, settlement, understanding, projet

  3. an arrangement about action to be taken

    "the Geneva Convention details proper treatment of prisoners of war"

    similar: accord, agreement, bargain, compact, contract, covenant, deal, disposition, pact, settlement, understanding
    related: charter, treaty, binder, pledge, promise, alliance, association, entente, entente cordiale, league, partnership, acceptance, approval, assent, concurrence, consent, OK

  4. an inherited or established way of thinking, feeling, or doing

    "the bride decided to follow convention and to have her father give her away"

    similar: custom, heritage, prescription, rubric, rule, tradition
    related: ethic, form, mode, mores, norm, principles, standards, values, birthright, inheritance, legacy, folklore, lore, superstition, culture, lifestyle

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Convention

The most common words with a similar meaning to Convention:

assembly, congress, convocation, council, gathering, get-together, huddle, meeting, accord, alliance, compact, covenant, pact, treaty, agreement, bargain, contract, deal, disposition, settlement, understanding, custom, heritage, prescription, rubric, rule, tradition

Related Words for Convention

clinic, workshop, cabinet, caucus, conclave, synod, demonstration, rally, confab, conversation, dialogue, discourse, discussion, palaver, talk, negotiation, parley, summit, conference, forum, round-robin, roundtable, seminar, symposium, audience, interview, session, entente, entente cordiale, bond

Origin & Etymology of Convention

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin convention-, conventio, from convenire see convenient

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Convention

Words & Phrases Containing Convention

convention center, Geneva convention, defy convention, the Geneva Convention, counterconvention, preconvention

Frequently Asked Questions about Convention

What does "Convention" mean?

"Convention" means agreement, contract. As a noun, it is defined as: agreement, contract. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Convention"?

Other words for "Convention" include assembly, congress, convocation, council, gathering, get-together, huddle and meeting. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Convention" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Convention"?

There are 88 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Convention". Common alternatives include assembly, congress, convocation, council, gathering, get-together, huddle, meeting, accord and alliance.

How do you use "Convention" in a sentence?

Examples of "Convention" in a sentence: "attended a convention of mathematicians in California"; "an international convention banning the spread of nuclear weapons"; "the Geneva Convention details proper treatment of prisoners of war".

Is "Convention" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Convention" is a noun.

Is "Convention" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Convention" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Convention"?

"Convention" is pronounced /kən-ˈven(t)-shən/ and divided into syllables as con·ven·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Convention"?

"Convention" comes from Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin convention-, conventio, from convenire see convenient. First known use: 15th century.