cite

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of cite are call, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How do call and summon relate to one another, in the sense of cite?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

How are the words convene and convoke related as synonyms of cite?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When is convoke a more appropriate choice than cite?

In some situations, the words convoke and cite are roughly equivalent. However, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When would muster be a good substitute for cite?

The synonyms muster and cite are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When can summon be used instead of cite?

The words summon and cite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 cite In its most recent quarterly earnings call with analysts, management also offered revenue projections that cited $455 billion in contracts, up 359% from a year earlier. Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025 That, in turn, triggered Israeli airstrikes, with Israel citing a commitment to protect the Druze. Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025 Asked about the lawsuit, department policies for device usage while driving and whether Campbell was cited or disciplined for the crash, Independence city spokeswoman Rebecca Gannon provided The Star with a statement. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025 Edge had changed his name from Sean Debevoise, according to Southport public information officer ChyAnn Ketchum, citing the district attorney's investigation. Chris Arnold, NPR, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • Since September 2024, a new federal law requires mammogram reports to state whether breast tissue is dense, and to mention the possibility of additional imaging.
    Dr. Megha Gupta, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Even without all of those players mentioned above, Indiana was close to making it to the WNBA Finals.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Evidence found at the scene showed Lopez had fired multiple gunshots, but officials didn’t specify his motive, deputies said.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • This system requires companies to specify which main drug patent to extend after marketing authorization and before patent expiration.
    Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Soon after his arrival, Johnson posted an X message quoting Bukele.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Ferrer testified against her, quoting harsh language from her verdict.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In August, a single-engine Piper PA-28 crash landed on southbound Interstate 805 in Sorrento Valley after the pilot noticed the engine was sputtering and losing power.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
  • For almost the entire bloated two-hour run time, Black keeps his foot on the accelerator in the hope that audiences won’t notice the haphazard, barely logical plotting.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Worth noting Despite being eliminated from postseason contention, the Giants plan to keep catcher Jesus Rodriguez on the taxi squad instead of activating him to make his major-league debut.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The agency does not include any exemptions for outdoor technical textiles, noting that there are ample PFAS-free alternatives available that offer similar performance capabilities.
    Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • During the meeting, Dexter Brady, the housing authority's deputy director, indicated that a tentative refinancing deal for debt tied to the Madison Heights apartment complex has not been finalized.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Comey’s former deputy Andrew McCabe, however, has indicated that Comey authorized the leak to a reporter.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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