collect 1 of 2

1
as in to contain
to gain emotional or mental control of applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed

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2
as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass dust has been collecting under my bed for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to compile
to bring together from several sources into a single volume or list collected the author's early short stories, which were originally published in several obscure sci-fi magazines

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5

collect

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb collect differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of collect are assemble, congregate, and gather. While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

When can assemble be used instead of collect?

The synonyms assemble and collect are sometimes interchangeable, but assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

Where would congregate be a reasonable alternative to collect?

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

congregating under a shelter

When might gather be a better fit than collect?

Although the words gather and collect have much in common, gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

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 collect
Verb
As many as 80% of soil samples collected downwind of the Eaton fire had lead levels above the state health standards for residential properties. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025 Learn more Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire has been collected independently by SAVEUR. Chris Dong, Saveur, 8 May 2025
Noun
Protecting workers The data neurotechnology collects could be used in ways that help or hurt the worker, and the potential for abuse is significant. Paul Brandt-Rauf, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2025 The technetium-99m flows into a person’s blood and collects, briefly, in parts of the body such as the heart, lungs, or a cancerous tumor. Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for collect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collect
Verb
  • So Koester compiled a database that now contains more than 500,000 missing person searches dating back to the 1970s.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • In fact, some of his other works contain plenty of illustrations, especially for depicting species.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Since 2020, content creator Remi Bader had accumulated millions of TikTok followers by offering her opinions on the fits of popular clothing brands as a plus-size woman.
    Jess Rauchberg, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The Department of Water and Power accumulated the most overtime pay: $426 million.
    Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units, compiled by Luminate.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 27 Apr. 2025
  • This includes using various state and federal databases to find, extract and compile data on costs related to the program, labor, healthcare, unemployment, welfare and other factors.
    Maya Miller, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In a video posted online, Jakes is seen pausing during his hour-long sermon, before shaking suddenly as other church members gathered around him, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Whether gathering to celebrate major achievements or connect with community, these moments captured the power of Black culture.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Randy Haight – at the time a young patrol officer who was at the crime scene — met his partner at the hospital.
    Erin Moriarty, Liza Finley, CBS News, 4 May 2025
  • McPeek first met Keith at the races over 20 years ago in Louisiana.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • As in the past, these invocations of national security offer the pretext for the government’s efforts to stifle dissent and to mandate political conformity.
    Rick Baldoz, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Before Trump’s invocation, the Act had only been used three times, and only during times of war.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Forethought underpins the crucial balance between execution speed and staying composed and under control.
    Ryan Lahti, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
  • Metal benches are also lighter than benches composed solely of wood.
    Megan Newton, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • And as of last week, automakers assembling cars in the United States will be able to offset part of the parts tariff, at least temporarily.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • Comments One of the most thrilling heists in film history required one of the starriest casts ever assembled.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Collect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collect. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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