call 1 of 2

Definition of callnext
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as in to dial
to make a telephone call to use this cell phone to call me if there's an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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5
as in to consider
to think of in a particular way I wouldn't quite call that cheating, but it's not entirely ethical either

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6
as in to cry
to utter one's distinctive animal sound the dog called whenever it flushed a quail

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7
as in to summon
to bring together in assembly by or as if by command called all the night workers in for a meeting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

8
as in to estimate
to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement let's call that five feet for now, and we'll measure it out later

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as in to order
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the union president is refusing to call a strike

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12

call

2 of 2

noun

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as in visit
a coming to see another briefly for social or business reasons we paid a call on the new neighbors the day after they moved in

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3
as in message
a communication by telephone give me a call as soon as you arrive, so I'll know you got there safely

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5
as in right
an entitlement to something you have no call to insult people

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as in demand
the state of being sought after especially for purchase there's not much call for woodstoves in this part of the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word call different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of call are cite, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When can cite be used instead of call?

The words cite and call are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How do convene and convoke relate to one another, in the sense of call?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

Where would convoke be a reasonable alternative to call?

The meanings of convoke and call largely overlap; however, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When is muster a more appropriate choice than call?

In some situations, the words muster and call are roughly equivalent. However, muster suggests a calling up of a number of things that form a group in order that they may be exhibited, displayed, or utilized as a whole.

mustered the troops

In what contexts can summon take the place of call?

Although the words summon and call have much in common, summon implies the exercise of authority.

was summoned to answer charges

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of call
Verb
An alliance of public transportation systems called NW Connector also offers routes from Portland or other locations on the Oregon Coast, including Newport and Lincoln City, to Cannon Beach. Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026 Meanwhile, athletes and supporters from many nations passed through our now suspicious borders to fight for the World Cup of what the rest of the world calls football. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Noun
Choose a phone call to say what matters in clear pieces that respect personal boundaries. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026 All calls are toll-free and confidential. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call
Verb
  • Her longtime bestie Abigail Anderson, whom Swift shouted out in her 2008 album Fearless, tied the knot for the first time in September 2017.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
  • He was shouted out by multiple fighters following victories.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Smithsonian Journeys has dialed up the depth of exploration for these itineraries, adding beer tastings or artisan bakery visits to shore excursions, and again putting their experts onboard for fascinating lectures on the region.
    Scott Laird, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Earlier this year, David Silver, the renowned former scientist at Google DeepMind, dialed into a Zoom meeting with a venture capital firm to pitch his new startup Ineffable Intelligence.
    Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • In 2009 Swift made a surprise visit to the KU campus to visit her bestie, then a freshman from Tennessee on the university’s swim team.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026
  • The trip will mark the first time the Sussex family has visited Harry's home country since June 2022, when the family of four joined a celebration to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Concerns about his takeover of traditionally nonpolitical celebrations have led some states to decline participating in Washington events and some entertainers to cancel plans to perform at them.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Several pre-tournament warmup games were canceled.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down and could announce a timetable for his departure as early as Monday, according to a report published Saturday.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
  • Rigid gendered rules mean only those born to Parsi fathers are considered part of the community.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • White men and women have cried after trying the shackles.
    Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • And just like that, the wait to cry is on.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • At Ojai, Lewis wistfully performed the solo prelude off in Libbey Park shrubbery as if a dallying forest spirit summoning ghosts of festivals past.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
  • That's right, I've been summoned to the Mothership.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The events are expected to draw hundreds of thousands to the city over the next two months, officials estimate.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Orozco estimated that the nearby fire had caused sales to drop by 70% over the past week.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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