Definition of callingnext

calling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of call
1
2
as in dialing
to make a telephone call to use this cell phone to call me if there's an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
5
6
as in crying
to utter one's distinctive animal sound the dog called whenever it flushed a quail

Synonyms & Similar Words

7
8
as in estimating
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

9
10
11
as in ordering
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the union president is refusing to call a strike

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

12

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun calling differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of calling are business, employment, métier, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

Where would business be a reasonable alternative to calling?

While in some cases nearly identical to calling, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

In what contexts can employment take the place of calling?

The words employment and calling can be used in similar contexts, but employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When might métier be a better fit than calling?

The synonyms métier and calling are sometimes interchangeable, but métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

When can occupation be used instead of calling?

The meanings of occupation and calling largely overlap; however, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When is it sensible to use pursuit instead of calling?

Although the words pursuit and calling have much in common, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When would work be a good substitute for calling?

While the synonyms work and calling are close in meaning, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 calling
Noun
Undoing the damage is a calling that brings some volunteers back repeatedly. Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026 The play-calling gave Simmons easy throws that showed how well his timing is with his receivers. Pj Green september 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
Webb figures he's got the best of both worlds, having his play-calling mentor by his side and squaring off against defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and Denver's stout defense all summer. Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026 Where the Europeans see a battle to be won, and even the other Sherpa see a terrifying sacred force, Tenzing sees a heavenly mother — smiling down on him since childhood, bearing witness to his heartbreaks in adulthood, calling him now to come home. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calling
Noun
  • The cast, who had been supportive of Paul’s controversy and mental-health struggles before the cancellation, were appalled at a video leaked in March of Paul throwing a stool at her ex, Dakota Mortensen, that almost hit her young daughter.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Airline commitments for meals, hotels, and ground transportation generally apply when a cancellation or delay is considered within the carrier’s control, although individual airlines can choose to provide more assistance.
    Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Fitoussi, who also made a film championing the background players with The Extras, creates a witty and actually poignant look at the profession where real talent so often goes unrecognized and unappreciated.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Zahnd was awarded Missouri’s Prosecutor of the Year award in 2014 for pushing to establish best practices for the profession.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Someone who tried to silence the voices of people who are shouting about genocide.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Helton’s statue depicts the Hall of Fame first baseman shouting to the sky after catching a relay from shortstop Troy Tulowitzki for the last out of the 2007 NL Championship Series and what remains the Rockies' only World Series appearance.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Variety reported in early September that Netflix is dialing up its commitment to meaningful theatrical releases, and will report box office numbers for the first time ever for six upcoming titles.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
  • With everything on the line, rookie offensive coordinator David Blough tried to be slick, dialing up a shovel pass to tight end John Bates.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • If asked before arriving what their goal was in visiting the museum that day, a likely answer would have been that the point of the visit is to witness the art.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Global interest in visiting South Korea, not just appreciating its culture from afar, is driving traveler numbers to the country like never before—over 6 million visitors were recorded in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
    Anna Haines, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Some earlier assassins expected it of themselves, canceling plots that would have killed bystanders.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • While Sheik sought treatment for alcohol addiction after canceling a tour in 2011, his stage and studio career never slowed.
    Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • For many people considering self-insurance, homeowners coverage is still a good use of funds when compared with your net worth, Connor said.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The White House is considering whether to host a meeting with AI executives on the sidelines of its summit with Xi next week, but the Chinese would not be invited, an official said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Sitting at the defendant’s table, Flynn scrunched up his face and appeared to be crying as the 911 call was played aloud.
    Holly Yan, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • People were still crying, dancing and desperate for a nap the next day!
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calling. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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