call on
verb
called on; calling on; calls on
1
: to call upon
Is there anyone you can call on in an emergency?
2
: to elicit a response from (someone, such as a student)
the teacher called on her first
3
US, informal
: to directly criticize (someone) for (something, such as bad behavior)
She's incredibly rude, but no one ever calls her on it.
Examples of call on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Clayton Namken followed with a walk, prompting USC coach Andy Stankiewicz to call on Matson, who took over with the bases loaded.
—
Jose De Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
As the video drew more attention, protesters gathered at the Shelby Police Department Friday to denounce the officer’s actions and call on the department to take action before he was fired, CNN affiliate WBTV reported.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
Before Honeywell officially announced the spin-off in February 2025, Jim had called on the conglomerate to break itself up — recognizing its Aerospace division is the crown jewel of its portfolio.
—Kevin Stankiewicz,zev Fima, CNBC, 31 May 2026
Sundevils coach Keith Johnson then called on senior Kelle Leuck to replace Grassa on the mound.
—Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
Mater Dei’s Danica Lancelloti, who went 3 for 4 with two triples, led off the inning with a triple but came in to score on the play when interference was called on the Heralds third baseman.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Moulton also called on Markey to join him for multiple debates before voting begins in the primary election.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
Republicans, including Pritzker’s opponent, GOP governor nominee Darren Bailey, have repeatedly called on Pritzker to suspend the gas tax hike.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026
But when his part on Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s The Studio became a conflict, the trio called on MacArthur.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2026
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.
Jose De Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
As the video drew more attention, protesters gathered at the Shelby Police Department Friday to denounce the officer’s actions and call on the department to take action before he was fired, CNN affiliate WBTV reported.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
Before Honeywell officially announced the spin-off in February 2025, Jim had called on the conglomerate to break itself up — recognizing its Aerospace division is the crown jewel of its portfolio.
—Kevin Stankiewicz,zev Fima, CNBC, 31 May 2026
Sundevils coach Keith Johnson then called on senior Kelle Leuck to replace Grassa on the mound.
—Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
Mater Dei’s Danica Lancelloti, who went 3 for 4 with two triples, led off the inning with a triple but came in to score on the play when interference was called on the Heralds third baseman.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Moulton also called on Markey to join him for multiple debates before voting begins in the primary election.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
Republicans, including Pritzker’s opponent, GOP governor nominee Darren Bailey, have repeatedly called on Pritzker to suspend the gas tax hike.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026
But when his part on Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s The Studio became a conflict, the trio called on MacArthur.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Call on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20on. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
