call 1 of 5

verb (1)

ˈkȯl How to pronounce call (audio)
Definition of callnext
1
as in to shout
to speak so as to be heard at a distance we could hear someone calling for help from the other side of the wall

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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
as in to visit
to make a brief visit the hospital posts the hours during which friends and relatives may call

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4
as in to cancel
to put an end to (something planned or previously agreed to) the game was called on account of rain

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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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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
as in to ask
to demand or request the presence or service of rushed to call a tow truck operator when the car broke down

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10
as in to name
to give a name to we've decided to call the kitten "Molly"

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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
as in to predict
to tell of or describe beforehand somehow the political pundit called the race results within a mere percentage point

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call

2 of 5

noun

1
as in cry
a natural vocal sound made by an animal a ranger who could immediately identify the call of every creature in the forest

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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
as in request
an act or instance of asking for information put out a call for background information about the suspect

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

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6
as in decision
a position arrived at after consideration I told you my preference for a cruise destination, but it's your call

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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

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call (for)

3 of 5

verb (2)

1
as in to demand
to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority with an eye to the expected rush, the manager called for additional waiters

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2
as in to seek
to make a request for called for someone to help with planning the club's party

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call for

4 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
as in require
to have as a requirement This calls for a toast!

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

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call (on or upon)

5 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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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
The first, and flagship offering of her brewing venture is called 78-0, a Hazy India Pale Ale. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026 Call 911 immediately or direct someone else to call while rescue efforts are underway. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Noun
Nancy Pelosi's press office did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment. — ABC News, 17 July 2026 Nearly 30 percent of Americans are employed in gig work, which promises flexibility and freedom but is more commonly defined by a lack of steady hours and the need to constantly be on call. — Xochitl Gonzalez, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Phrase
If the occasion calls for some sparkle, this clutch purse is the perfect way to hold your essentials and turn some heads. — Kim Grundy, Southern Living, 20 July 2026 Every year, the calls for Congress to do something about the chaotic condition of college athletics grow louder. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call
  1. shout
  2. dial
  3. visit
  4. cancel
  5. consider
  6. cry
  7. summon
  8. estimate
Verb
  • In a separate video, others were heard shouting at the TSA agent, questioning whether something would be done about the incident.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The dialogue, meanwhile, is played hilariously straight — good luck finding a laugh among these uncharted stars — and often consists of someone shouting another character's name.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of shout
Verb
  • Argentina, as is their trademark, began asserting themselves in the second half, slightly dialing up the aggression — maybe too much so for midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 19 July 2026
  • Young was absolutely dialed in through the bag during his Sunday charge, as no player gained more strokes from tee to green in the final round.
    — Justin Ray, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of dial
Verb
  • Review social media posts Social media platforms and patient reviews can be a useful tool before visiting for a consultation.
    — Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Collins visits the pool every few days, driving past the Kennedy Center each time to check whether the tarp is still up.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 22 July 2026
Definition of visit
Verb
  • With trips canceled and his shop in Ely low on traffic, his roughly 60 employees, many of them seasonal, are out of work.
    — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2026
  • Some investors fear that if viewership is down, subscribers could cancel the service, which would negatively affect the platform’s growing advertising business.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of cancel
Verb
  • Called the Georgia Power 100, these players are chosen primarily on their high school production track record, though college potential is considered.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • On the other side, Bedard at one point considered an even shorter deal to maximize his earning potential.
    — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of consider
Verb
  • Argentina’s on to the final against Spain, the English are crying into a big ol’ bowl of mashed peas, and our big shiny stadium can once again promote a luxury German automaker.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 18 July 2026
  • The environment of a busy pool may trigger sensory overload and distress, causing children to cry or want to leave.
    — Tana Carson, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
Definition of cry
Verb
  • The argumentative duo are summoned to investigate a murder in rural Nebraska that has mysterious connections to dangerous extraterrestrials.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 July 2026
  • His only snap last season came once Jones graciously summoned him to take the victory kneel-down over the New York Giants.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Definition of summon
Verb
  • VanFleet, 29, said three contractors quoted about $40,000 to replace the home’s rotting siding and aging windows, while another estimated $6,000 to install a basic heating and cooling unit.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Taken together, the commission estimates around 45% of dementia cases globally are potentially modifiable if these risks are addressed.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Definition of estimate

Phrases Containing call

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calisthenics
call
callant
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Cite this Entry

“Call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on call

Nglish: Translation of call for Spanish Speakers

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