synagogue

noun

syn·​a·​gogue ˈsi-nə-ˌgäg How to pronounce synagogue (audio)
variants or less commonly synagog
Synonyms of synagoguenext
1
: a Jewish congregation
2
: the house of worship and communal center of a Jewish congregation
synagogal
ˌsi-nə-ˈgä-gəl How to pronounce synagogue (audio)
adjective

Examples of synagogue in a Sentence

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.
Praveen, a Hindu, spent his childhood in Jew Town, attending school with Hallegua's family members, eating Shabbat dinners, playing cricket near the synagogue. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Veterans and military families, churches and mosques and synagogues, people who agreed on almost nothing else, threw themselves at the problem. — Shawn Vandiver, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 My father attended the Queens Memorial Day parade, while my mother, a lifelong writer, wrote promotional copy for their synagogue’s dinner to honor their longtime cantor’s retirement. — Rachel Sales, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 Herzog is a musical composer and performer who has appeared nationally and internationally, with original compositions that have been featured in television and film and are known throughout the Reform movement, according to the synagogue. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for synagogue

Word History

Etymology

Middle English synagoge, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin synagoga, from Greek synagōgē assembly, synagogue, from synagein to bring together, from syn- + agein to lead — more at agent

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of synagogue was in the 12th century

Rhymes for synagogue

See All Rhymes for synagogue

Browse Nearby Words

synagogal
synagogue
synaloepha
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Synagogue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synagogue. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

synagogue

noun
syn·​a·​gogue
variants also synagog
ˈsin-ə-ˌgäg How to pronounce synagogue (audio)
1
: a Jewish congregation
2
: the house of worship of a Jewish congregation
Etymology

Middle English synagoge "a Jewish congregation," from early French synagoge (same meaning), from Latin synagoga (same meaning), from Greek synagōgē "synagogue, assembly," from synagein "to bring together," from syn- "together with" and agein "to lead" — related to synonymous

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