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 In a video posted by the UAW to social media, workers cited the fire as another motivator for unionization. Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025 As Most Contentious Nearly a third of chief human resources officers (32%) also cited managing a hybrid workforce as a key topic of debate. Mallory Gafas, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 Alba filed for divorce from longtime beau Cash Warren on Feb. 7, citing irreconcilable differences and listing their date of separation as Dec. 27, 2024. Jen Juneau, People.com, 25 July 2025 Elsewhere this morning, German auto giant Volkswagen cut its guidance, also citing President Donald Trump's tariffs regime. Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • When Ju-yeong half-heartedly mentions the early deaths of his parents, Dong-ju doesn’t have any sympathy.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 21 July 2025
  • But Ben Johnson has never mentioned it in meetings with Chicago players.
    Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement Macron has not specified what territory France would recognize as being part of a Palestinian state.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 25 July 2025
  • The letter didn’t specify what the behavior was or identify Muse by name.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Google co-founder Sergey Brin has been widely quoted as instructing his office designers to assure no employee was more than 200 feet away from food.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 12 July 2025
  • The content and opinions expressed are solely those of the entities mentioned and/or quoted in this article and do not represent those of the publication.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • In Sunday’s victory against the Blue Jays, the Tigers noticed something off with Meadows both on the field and in the bases.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 July 2025
  • Some people notice soft, fine hair regrowing on the affected areas initially, which thickens and darkens over time.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Gorgeous George was an effective self-promoter, and his character was a major influence on boxer Muhammad Ali and musician James Brown, as noted in Little Village Magazine.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
  • Mas also noted there were six MLS games Friday night, less than 48 hours after an All-Star Game.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The Main State Fire Marshal is still investigating the incident, but initial findings indicate liquid propane gas was seemingly leaking into and beneath the camper prior to the incident, according to fire officials.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 29 July 2025
  • The study indicated that direct spending on diving activities generates $900 million to $3.2 billion annually and between $8.5 billion and $20.4 billion when including indirect spending on accommodations and local services.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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