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
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?
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
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?
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
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Recent Examples of call
Verb
Open calls for actors Open auditions, known in the regional theater realm as Equity Principal Auditions, are a reality of being a professional theater.—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026 Iran has long been a threat to Israel’s security with a profoundly hostile regime openly calling for its eradication.—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
Shortly thereafter, according to the government’s story, an Administration official received a phone call from a contact at Palantir.—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026 Many included direct calls for violence against Jewish facilities.—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for call
There are cries from activists to set Wikie and Keijo free, but they were born in captivity and lack the skills necessary to survive.
—
Valerie Greene,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
The pledge has become a rallying cry as the regime seeks to consolidate support through mass demonstrations, particularly in the final days of the holy month of Ramadan.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano chose to rest his captain — along with midfielder Rodrigo De Paul — for the MLS regular-season visit to Charlotte.
—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Mar. 2026
The 323 million visits to America’s national parks in 2025 are more than twice the attendance — 135 million — at professional football, baseball, basketball and hockey games combined.
Using a special encryption code, the operatives could translate the numerals into a readable message.
—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Jovial Jupiter stations direct in your 3rd House of Communication, helping messages land and showering your daily exchanges with motivation and inspiration.
The Fort Worth City Council at its meeting on Tuesday, March 10 approved a request from Oncor Electric to upgrade and expand a substation in southeast Fort Worth, despite concerns from neighborhood residents.
—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
—
JOSHUA GOODMAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Sign up here to receive an email right as the chat is about to start.
—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission already has the power to investigate schools and enforce students’ rights, but it’s rarely used for that end.
In a letter to Newsom in June, commission Vice Chair Siva Gunda said the main factors driving refinery closures were falling demand for gasoline, increasing competition from global consolidation, aging infrastructure requiring significant maintenance, and a high cost of operating.
—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
On February 14th, Anthropic was told that a failure to accept the government’s demands might result in contract cancellation.
Dowdle responded to criticism of his performance down the stretch on social media on Friday, seemingly taking a shot at coach Dave Canales’ offensive play-calling.
—
Mike Kaye
Updated March 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
Three of them stayed together, but the fourth couldn’t resist Bergeron’s imitation of a hen turkey calling and branched off, coming within 20 yards of the blind.