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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of call
Verb
There’s a hot dog place a block from my apartment in Windsor Terrace called Dog Day Afternoon.—Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 Parry, who teaches Native American history at Utah State University, is calling for a responsible slowdown of the Stratos project.—Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2026
Noun
Gray shook his head in mock frustration and gestured at his phone as the call went to Johansson’s voicemail.—Brent Lang, Variety, 16 May 2026 The scam that starts with a Google search of your name may end with a call to your elderly parent or a text to your adult child.—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for call
The fans sang soccer chants and shouted players’ names.
—
Warren Mayes,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
But both camps have shared stories of harassment from the other side, including removing campaign literature, shouting at volunteers, and online bullying.
Allegiant’s plan includes ramping up service during peak travel periods, like in the summer or over spring break, and then dialing that back on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in lower-demand weeks, selling more seats to customers at times when the airline could have more pricing power, Anderson said.
—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
While most major tests are really about being dialed with those 150-200-yard shots, Aronimink is kind of the opposite.
Consumers seeking a replacement voucher can visit the recall page on the company’s website, according to the notice.
—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Considering that teams can bring players into their buildings in their respective cities for pre-draft workouts, attend pro days held by players’ agencies and visit prospects elsewhere, the combine meetings are only a small part of the draft process.
An air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho was canceled on Sunday, May 17, after two Navy jets collided midair and crashed during a demonstration, forcing four crew members to eject safely from the aircraft, authorities and base officials said.
Maybe more importantly, he was considered one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this class, which gives him a better chance to contribute early with a QB who expects precision and professionalism.
—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
Bartholomew Street — in recent years considered the spine of an arts and innovation district — leads to the successful Parkville Market and Real Art Ways, the contemporary arts center now in the midst of a $24 million expansion.
—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Though the arrest took place over three years ago, the case garnered new attention in March when TMZ published a video of the altercation, which showed Paul putting Mortensen in a headlock and throwing chairs at him while a child could be heard crying.
—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
On the side, my two best friends were crying with laughter.
The National Mediation Board summoned union leaders and MTA management to a meeting to resume bargaining Sunday evening and both sides picked up the talks Monday.
—
Mark Prussin,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
The court said in a statement that the investigation was widened to include Zapatero, who was summoned to answer a judge’s questions on June 2.
Jasper Johns’s Figure 2, 1955, and Alley Oop, 1958, both sold below their estimates of $10 million and $6 million, respectively, as did Roy Lichtenstein’s Voodoo Lily, 1961, estimated at $6 million.
—
Julie Brener Davich,
ARTnews.com,
19 May 2026
Morgan Stanley analysts have estimated generative AI could reduce film and TV production costs by as much as 30 percent.
—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2026