Definition of gathernext
1
2
as in to harvest
to catch or collect (a crop or natural resource) for human use late summer is when we gather the tomatoes and begin canning them for the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5
as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass the newspapers that had been allowed to gather on the front doorstep told thieves that the family was away on vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6
7
as in to summon
to call into being through the use of one's inner resources or powers gathered the strength to finish the marathon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb gather differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gather are assemble, collect, and congregate. While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

Where would assemble be a reasonable alternative to gather?

Although the words assemble and gather have much in common, assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

When is collect a more appropriate choice than gather?

The words collect and gather can be used in similar contexts, but collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

When could congregate be used to replace gather?

In some situations, the words congregate and gather are roughly equivalent. However, congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle.

congregating under a shelter

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 gather The Chiefs gathered to watch film last week, sequencing play after play, when defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo saw something that prompted him to stop the tape. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026 Around dawn a fiber optic stand that flickered light was turned on and everyone gathered held a moment of silence in memories of Noel. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026 When the judges return, everyone gathers in the small theater. — Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 The shooting occurred during Florida A&M University's homecoming weekend, as students and alumni gathered in Tallahassee for the annual celebrations. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gather
Verb
  • According to average high and low temperatures collected by AccuWeather, Boise residents can expect February to warm slightly.
    — Hali Smith October 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Reduce the personal information scammers can access Scammers can collect personal details from people-search websites and data brokers to make their messages more convincing.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Timberland owners have the flexibility to harvest when prices are perceived to be stronger.
    — Sebastien Chasse, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Here's where the high diesel prices add up tough – what little hay there is, is a lot more expensive to harvest.
    — Anna King, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In his latest romp, corporate greed, lovable cows and hideous monsters converge in Richland, Ohio.
    — Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Eisenkot drove him to his unit’s base, where lines of cars were already forming as reservists converged.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Arrowhead 140 is a general-purpose frigate and its design is derived from Denmark’s Iver Huitfeldt-class warships.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Bioeffect’s growth factors in particular are derived from barley.
    — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rocks and plants The first method measures beryllium-10, an isotope that accumulates in the top few centimeters of rock that is exposed to the sky.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Research has demonstrated the importance of initiating appropriate treatment early in the course of disease, before neurological damage accumulates.
    — Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Experts say Kim's troops sent to Russia to support its war against Ukraine likely gained experience in drone warfare from Russian forces and their own battlefield experiences.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026
  • That one, the Panthers gained a total of eight net yards and settled for a field goal and took a 3-0 lead.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Forensic teams summoned to a nearby police complex during the raid were never sent to the scenes, according to records reviewed by the organization.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Also among the Golden Dawn initiates was infamous occultist Aleister Crowley, who the documentary said was a destructive force in the group, binging on drugs while being accused of summoning demons using Golden Dawn rituals.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After a week of respecting the sanctity of spoilers, our critics have assembled to discuss the movie in detail.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The mandate goes to the lawmaker most likely to assemble a coalition.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gather. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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