as in to summon
to bring together in assembly by or as if by command convoked the leading experts on juvenile delinquency to study the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of convoke are call, cite, convene, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

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

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

In what contexts can cite take the place of convoke?

The words cite and convoke can be used in similar contexts, but cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How are the words convene and convoke related?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When would muster be a good substitute for convoke?

While the synonyms muster and convoke are close in meaning, 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 convoke?

The meanings of summon and convoke largely overlap; however, 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 convoke For example, the leader or head of the college is called the dean; one of his duties is to coordinate the conclave that will be convoked in the event a pope dies or resigns. Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025 Eli Wallach convokes The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Armond White, National Review, 16 Aug. 2023 Late Friday, politicians both for and against Morales reached an agreement to send to congress a bill to convoke a new presidential election. Washington Post, 23 Nov. 2019 Maduro has vowed to resolve his nation’s crisis by convoking a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution. Christine Armario, The Seattle Times, 18 May 2017 Maduro has vowed to resolve his nation's crisis by convoking a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela's constitution. Fox News, 18 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convoke
Verb
  • In Jennifer Kent's terrifying psychological horror film, the Babadook is summoned when Amelia reads to her son from a pop-up book about the monster, leading to days of terror.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Tompa has been capable of recounting a personal crisis while constantly opening up to universal reflections that summon all viewers.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • From onboard drink packages to muster drills, there’s a lot for cruise newbies to take in.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Quarterback Geno Smith was highly ineffective, passing for just 67 yards on 10 completions, while the Vegas run game mustered just 25 yards on 11 carries.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After getting to the ring to call for an opponent, fans received a surprise.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While reflecting on her first performance, Furtado remembered buying the pink dress from a store called Original on Queen West in Toronto, and also picking up some sparkly platform shoes for the monumental moment.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Grand juries are routinely convened in federal districts to hear evidence in a range of criminal matters.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • To that end, the WTO has convened a group of nearly 70 members to negotiate a landmark e‑commerce agreement — the first of its kind — with a first phase expected by the March 2026 ministerial conference.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Convoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convoke. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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