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.
The resulting blaze caused gas canisters inside the ambulances to explode, and nearby apartments and a synagogue were also damaged by the fire. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 At many synagogues, congregants listen to the blowing of a single shofar during High Holy Day services. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 Advocates gathered outside the synagogue in Midtown Wednesday. — Ali Bauman, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 While being escorted out of the synagogue by security, Montes allegedly struck a 63-year-old woman who was attending the services, cutting her lip and bruising her arm, and headbutted a security guard and uttered a racial slur, according to police. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 18 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 1 Sep. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on synagogue

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for synagogue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about synagogue

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