call 1 of 2

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2
as in to dial
to make a telephone call to use this cell phone to call me if there's an emergency

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4
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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9
10
11
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

1
2
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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4
5
as in right
an entitlement to something you have no call to insult people

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6
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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
Anyone who would like to get connected to treatment, or knows someone who does, can call 1-800-563-4086 or visit connectgnh.org at any day or time. Hartford Courant, 14 Feb. 2023 Breakouts might call for the Salicylic + Green Tea Exfoliating Cleanser and Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream, whereas dry skin might crave a boost of moisture from the Hyaluronic + Arnica Hydrating Serum. Lisa Desantis, Allure, 14 Feb. 2023
Noun
The outcry, which included prominent Latin voices such as artist Becky G, has spurred calls and plans for a protest at the ballpark Saturday afternoon. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 19 June 2025 The diplomats also said the calls included a brief exchange on a US proposal to establish a regional uranium enrichment consortium outside Iran — a plan Tehran has so far rejected. Amanda Castro shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call
Verb
  • Theater talk is some of the most frivolous talk, and it should be shouted from the rooftops.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • But they were awakened around 2 a.m. Saturday by someone pounding on the front door and shouting, asking to enter and identifying himself as a police officer, the family recounted.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • As one of the wisest young players in basketball, he’s dialed into the pros and cons of pushing his body to the limit – both from an individual and organizational standpoint.
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • All the more reason to dial up the economic and diplomatic pressure on Russia to the absolute maximum.
    Andreas Kluth, Mercury News, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • But three attorneys who regularly visit the facility said their clients have consistently described sleeping on floors or in plastic containers fitted with thin mats.
    Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 25 June 2025
  • Jacobson said the sorrow among Amira’s family and friends was tempered by a supportive community, including members of the Mosque Foundation who visited Richards after the tragedy.
    Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Senate lawmakers from both parties clashed with Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, on Wednesday over the Trump administration's proposal to cancel billions in federal spending on foreign aid, public broadcasting and global health programs.
    Sonam Sheth Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • After four seasons, HGTV has cancelled Married to Real Estate, the home renovation series hosted by Egypt Sherrod and her husband Mike Jackson.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Some consider Olean to be in the upper most region of Appalachia, a Rustbelt stereotype that— since 1974, the year of the shooting, has seen its population dwindle from 18,600 to 14,000.
    Sally Ventura June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
  • There’s also the unique geopolitical role of Qatar to consider.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • With screaming, crying, and crash outs abound, Madix’s high pony mirrored her demeanor: commanding, polished, and captivating.
    Devon Abelman, Allure, 23 June 2025
  • When the curtain is lifted, Matthew is crying, and Andreas is beaming.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Historically, most performers have developed their art by being taken under the wings of friends as part of drag families or drag houses, or by practicing at home and summoning the courage to sign up for open sets at bars.
    David Mack, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
  • The Angels summoned Moore, a second baseman, on June 13 in Baltimore.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors, however, estimated the loss to businesses and homeowners at about $35 million.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • The deadliest country in the world for young children is South Sudan — the United Nations estimates that about 1 in 10 children born there won’t make it to their fifth birthday.
    Kelsey Piper, Vox, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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