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 As guests gathered around the statue of King Louis XIV in the Place des Victoires, ominous clouds rolled in. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 26 June 2025 In July, chefs, winemakers, creatives, and culinary enthusiasts gather for Telluride Table, a series of intimate dining experiences. AFAR Media, 26 June 2025 Leaders from France, Germany, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, the U.S., and Canada are gathering in Alberta from Sunday through Tuesday. Tara Suter, The Hill, 15 June 2025 Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores. Mark Cooper, New York Times, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gather
Verb
  • In both cases, the outfit collects its second top 10 hit.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Gifting pieces from her collection to museums and cultural institutions has become paramount to Goff, whose shopping turned into collecting, then preservation.
    Andrea Bossi, Essence, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The caviar is cheap, Davis said, harvested from hybrid sturgeon species.
    Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025
  • And the ideas harvested from the incubator can be shared, rated and developed on an ideas dashboard.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • That number is expected to surge this summer — as mass gatherings, major events, and global headlines all converge.
    Jessica Tisch, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025
  • Photograph Of The Year Winners Anti crepuscular rays at Cono de Arita in La Puna, Argentina create an atmospheric optical phenomenon that appears as beams of light converging towards a point opposite the sun in the sky.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • All of these inputs to the model simulations are primarily derived from observational data.
    Ben Santer, Scientific American, 4 July 2025
  • While much of the popularity of the program is derived from its ability to inspire online debate, even the showrunners have noticed an uptick in the nastiness of the commentary.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Since founding his hugely successful e-commerce company Amazon in 1994, Jeff Bezos has accumulated a net worth that warrants his title as the third richest man on the planet.
    Diane J. Cho, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • Dryer vents tend to gradually accumulate hair, dust, and lint during normal operation.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The July 1 report suggests that while most Americans will see tax savings in the short term, high-income households stand to gain the most.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
  • The Aperol spritz has gained a reputation for being a healthier alternative to other cocktails.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Initially, DeSales University professor Marie Bolger had also been summoned to court, but her name was removed from a later filing.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • Gi-hun summons his courage and spirit in his final moments, defending his values even as his mission decisively fails.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • This starts with senior leaders establishing a cohesive business-technology plan, and assembling the right team to manage the changes.
    Wolfgang Sixl, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Each garment piece is dyed and washed with a tie-dye effect before being assembled, creating a one-of-a-kind look when combined with other pieces.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 1 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gather. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gather

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!