call 1 of 2

1
2
as in to dial
to make a telephone call to use this cell phone to call me if there's an emergency

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3
4
5
as in to consider
to think of in a particular way I wouldn't quite call that cheating, but it's not entirely ethical either

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6
as in to cry
to utter one's distinctive animal sound the dog called whenever it flushed a quail

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7
as in to summon
to bring together in assembly by or as if by command called all the night workers in for a meeting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

8
as in to estimate
to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement let's call that five feet for now, and we'll measure it out later

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9
10
11
as in to order
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the union president is refusing to call a strike

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12

call

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in visit
a coming to see another briefly for social or business reasons we paid a call on the new neighbors the day after they moved in

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3
as in message
a communication by telephone give me a call as soon as you arrive, so I'll know you got there safely

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4
5
as in right
an entitlement to something you have no call to insult people

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6
7
as in demand
the state of being sought after especially for purchase there's not much call for woodstoves in this part of the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word call different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of call are cite, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When can cite be used instead of call?

The words cite and call are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How do convene and convoke relate to one another, in the sense of call?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

Where would convoke be a reasonable alternative to call?

The meanings of convoke and call largely overlap; however, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When is muster a more appropriate choice than call?

In some situations, the words muster and call are roughly equivalent. However, 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

In what contexts can summon take the place of call?

Although the words summon and call have much in common, 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 call
Verb
Anyone who would like to get connected to treatment, or knows someone who does, can call 1-800-563-4086 or visit connectgnh.org at any day or time. Hartford Courant, 14 Feb. 2023 Breakouts might call for the Salicylic + Green Tea Exfoliating Cleanser and Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream, whereas dry skin might crave a boost of moisture from the Hyaluronic + Arnica Hydrating Serum. Lisa Desantis, Allure, 14 Feb. 2023
Noun
DeSantis and fellow Republicans have touted the makeshift detention center — an agglomeration of tents, trailers and temporary buildings constructed in a matter of days — as an efficient and get-tough response to President Donald Trump’s call for mass deportations. Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025 After a phone call with the president of the European Commission, Trump reneged and agreed to go back to the July 9 deadline. Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call
Verb
  • The 53-year-old ageless wonder was bouncing around the football field barking encouragement, shouting out orders and running circles around participants — many nearly 40 years his younger — at the Orlando Quarterback Shootout and Battle in the Pit.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2025
  • However, Ultraman is simple-minded and purely exists to follow Luthor's directions, down to the exact attack moves his handler shouts into his earpiece during fights.
    EW.com, EW.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Yet the arrangements have been calibrated so that the loudest songs seem ever-so-slightly dialed down, almost imperceptibly, to match what might be a little different for the frontman this time around.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 13 July 2025
  • In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Although most tourists wear sneakers when visiting the area, Como is still an upscale Italian village, so wearing nice shoes to lunch and dinner is always a good idea.
    Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Shteyngart discusses the book on July 23 at 7 p.m. at the Mark Twain House, which he’s visited several times before.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Was the show canceled because late night TV is a relic of the past?
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • Years later, her character was set to lead a separate reboot for Peacock, but the project was canceled in 2021.
    Danny Horn, EW.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • This is particularly important for homeowners in fire-prone areas to consider, the James Hardie pro says.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
  • Below are a few more great options from Amazon to consider, starting at $20.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Cohost Mark Consuelos teed up the moment during Tuesday morning's host chat, which shifted to cover the topic of why exhaustive marathons often make people — both participants and spectators — cry.
    EW.com, EW.com, 15 July 2025
  • Citing a police report, Fox 35 and the News-Journal reported that Sullivan was waiting outside for Williams to show up to the home with her food delivery when her baby began to cry inside the home.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Invoking Pettis Norman’s name might summon recollections of Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick, who transferred from Second Ward High School to Myers Park to break the city’s color line and whose football prowess later led to the desegregation of the Shrine Bowl.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • What was the fallout? Green, the Cubs GM, summoned Elia to his office after hearing the damaging postgame tape.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The tax deduction of up to $6,000 would benefit fewer than half of older adults, according to the Tax Policy Center estimates.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 21 July 2025
  • There is more than 200 million pounds of trash estimated to be in the ocean, with many more entering every year.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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