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 The auditors chose to look into how CBP inspects returning cruise passengers following recent years’ assessments from CBP field offices that cited a growing threat of drug contraband smuggling by way of cruises. Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2025 Trump in June issued a memorandum authorizing the federalization of National Guard troops, citing threats to federal employees and property during protests against immigration enforcement. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025 The shootings occurred during homecoming celebrations following an annual football game, WRDW reported, citing officials. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025 Scholars cite several reasons for continuing religious discrimination, particularly against the Latter-day Saints. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • This recent history, combined with the current proximity to major support and the daily oversold condition mentioned above, adds to HD's potentially compelling risk/reward scenario.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
  • But when leaving the company, to keep their vested equity, they were reportedly required to sign an agreement that contained provisions eternally forbidding them from criticizing their former employer, and that prevented them from mentioning the agreement’s existence.
    Harry Booth, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Trump did not specify why certain federal workers would not qualify to receive back pay owed to them.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The Russian vessels are expected to make several port calls in foreign countries, which the Pacific Fleet did not specify, and conduct other exercises during the deployment.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some of the journalists contacting Khan’s accuser for comment quoted Lynch’s statement to her.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
  • A number of Indigenous alumni quoted in the book say their next goal is to host a campus powwow, a colorful festival filled with Native drummers, traditional dancing, crafts, frybread, meat pies and Native games like stickball, which evolved into lacrosse.
    Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Crew aboard the ship noticed that the engine room—a long and narrow chamber—was the weakest, and was where multiple beams buckled under the pressure of the ice.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Neither that notice nor the agenda for the meeting, posted the day before, gave details about which property the board would be voting on or its intended use.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But critics noted that the bulk of San Diego’s new units are market-rate, and the city is much further behind pace approving subsidized units for moderate-income and low-income residents.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The most recent, published in February, noted that the PFNA assessment was scheduled to be released in the second quarter of the financial year, which ended in June.
    Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Other bacteria are associated with the breakdown of insect tissues, indicating these were also a part of his diet.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • But reports indicate the state could help cover maintenance costs or facilitate a sale.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

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