consort

The husband or wife of a king, queen, or other ruler.

• The queen’s consort attended the ceremony.
• She became queen consort when her husband took the throne.
• The royal consorts stood beside their spouses.

Common phrases: queen consort, prince consort, royal consort

A small group of musicians, especially people playing the same kind of instrument.

• A consort of viols played quietly.
• The recorder consort performed three short pieces.
• Two consorts joined for the final concert.

Similar words: ensemble

Common phrases: viol consort, recorder consort, consort music

A relationship in which people or groups work or act together.

• The two families acted in consort.
• They worked in consort with their neighbours.
• The treaty established a consort between the rival towns.

How to use it: in consort with someone/something (The merchants acted in consort with the town council.)

Similar words: association, partnership

Common phrases: in consort with, act in consort

To spend time with people, often people others disapprove of.

• They consort with criminals.
• She refused to consort with the enemy.
• Was he really consorting with those dishonest businessmen?

How to use it: consort with someone (He was accused of consorting with thieves.)

Similar words: associate, mix

Common phrases: consort with someone, consort with criminals