What does "tribunal" mean?
An assembly including one or more judges to conduct judicial business; a court of law.
Tribunal
/tɹaɪˈbjunəl/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An assembly including one or more judges to conduct judicial business; a court of law.
- Grammar: tribunal is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: court, adjudicatory body, advisory body, advisory panel.
- Useful contrasts: informal forum, nonjudicial body.
- Usage evidence: Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
How to use "tribunal"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "tribunal" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "tribunal" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "tribunal" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An assembly including one or more judges to conduct judicial business; a court of law.
"Having now so amply declared unto thee most of the principal things of this thrice-renowned and illustrious city, I will briefly by way of an epitome mention most of the other particulars thereof, and so finally shut up this narration: there are reported to be in Venice and the circumjacent islands two hundred churches in which are one hundred forth-three pairs of organs, fifty-four monasteries, twenty-six nunneries, fifty-six tribunals or places of judgment, seventeen hospitals, six companies or fraternities, whereof I have before spoken; one hundred and sixty-five marble statues of worthy personages, partly equestrial, partly pedestrial, which are erected in sundry places of the city, to the honour of those that either at home have prudently administered the commonweal, or abroad valiantly fought for the same."
- 2 an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business wordnet
- 3 A kind of village hall used to transact business, to quarter troops and travellers, and to confine prisoners. Philippines, historical
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
informal forumnonjudicial body
Example
"Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "tribunal"?
Common synonyms include: court, adjudicatory body, advisory body, advisory panel, assembly, association.
How do you use "tribunal" in a sentence?
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
How do you pronounce "tribunal"?
Pronounced /tɹaɪˈbjunəl/.
Etymology
PIE word *tréyes From Old French tribunal, from Latin tribūnal (“tribunal”), from tribus (“tribe”).