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 Neumeyer managed to break free as the guard attempted to detain him, leaving behind his backpack, the DOJ said, citing a complaint. Hannah Rabinowitz, CNN Money, 25 May 2025 The graphic designer filed for divorce from the Hocus Pocus star, 48, on Thursday, May 22, citing irreconcilable differences, according to court documents viewed by PEOPLE. Bailey Richards, People.com, 25 May 2025 The chatbots cite websites that review and rate mattresses, coffee makers and other products. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025 One restaurant was cited for repeat violations and rodents and roaches were found at others in the latest round of Plano health inspections, according to the inspection report. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • This rates mention because readers of the book might be tempted to skip the many ancient names in the book, first half of the twentieth century names, along with the females.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Even senior aides like Clive Alderton, also mentioned in Harry’s memoir, are unlikely to push for a personal outreach.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • The report also specifies that North America travelers increased 11 percent over the time period.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025
  • Though the park did not specify what year the church was developed, scholars generally say that Late Antiquity occurred between the third and sixth centuries.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Though no figures are quoted in terms of salary, the five-year deal is said to entail a bonus if the shotstopper becomes a full Spain international.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • According to The Guardian, PA Media quoted a man named Harry Rashid who witnessed the collision while attending the parade with his family.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Other journalists noticed a drop-off in performance for the convertibles, and probably more so than the mild weight gains of just about 100 lbs (45 kg) might suggest.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
  • Karen Walsh began to notice a change in her husband back in 2017.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • In his post announcing Derringer's death, Wilson noted that arrangements for a memorial service for Derringer will be announced at a later date out of respect to his family and loved ones.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 May 2025
  • Brondello noted that the Liberty allowed too many open threes to start the third and didn’t finish defensive possessions strongly on shot attempts.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • That study, which reviewed data from 2009 to 2014, indicated that 8.7 million U.S. children – or roughly 1 in 8 – lived with a parent, or parents, with substance use disorder.
    Ty Schepis, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • In previous years, rent also rose faster in these areas compared with the rest of the county, but the gap grew post-fires, which experts said indicates the fires are the likely cause.
    Phi Do, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

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!