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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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