call 1 of 5

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 5

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

call (for)

3 of 5

verb (2)

call (on or upon)

4 of 5

verb (3)

as in to see
to make a social call upon lots of well-wishers called on the new parents in the weeks following the birth of their first child

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

call for

5 of 5

phrase

1
as in order
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority The bill calls for tighter regulation.

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2
3
as in put in (for)
to give a request or demand for The position calls for someone with a master's degree.

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

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
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
The Association of Idaho Cities did not immediately return a call for comment. Mark Dee march 6, Idaho Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026 Denton Ryan head coach Monesha Allen argues the lack of a penalty call during second half action against Leander Glenn. Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call
Noun
  • Apparently hearing her mother’s cries, 11-year-old Duong came into the bedroom, the prosecutor added.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Grandma and grandpa may mean well, but some of their parenting styles are no longer recommended based on years of research—like ignoring your baby’s cries or forcing a school-age child clean their plate at dinner.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • After celebrating an Ash Wednesday service with four migrants who had just arrived at a detention center near Chicago, clergy there are working with immigration authorities to set up regular visits.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Their weekly grocery bill has dropped from the equivalent of about $400 to $267; fuel and public transport are 40% cheaper; and GP visits cost 25% less – with same-day appointments replacing week-long waits.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • 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.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Representatives for Universal did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment on Horner's potential involvement.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Leake did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • 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.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Holt will be key in helping ownership make that decision when the time comes.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Drayton said running was a decision four years in the making.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Those unseen spaces have a kind of electrical charge, the power of bonds and conflicts, of underlying tensions and demands.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026
  • To keep up with the demand for campaign mailers, employees are working seven days a week for up to 12 hours daily.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Mazda’s cabin design remains one of its strongest calling cards.
    Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Like Koy, who also has seven major specials, Iglesias went through a lot of metamorphosis on stage prior to finding his calling as a gregarious, fun-loving comedian with a penchant for doing cartoon-ish voices.
    Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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