calls 1 of 2

Definition of callsnext
present tense third-person singular of call
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2
as in dials
to make a telephone call to use this cell phone to call me if there's an emergency

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5
as in considers
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 cries
to utter one's distinctive animal sound the dog called whenever it flushed a quail

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7
as in summons
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 estimates
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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as in orders
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

calls

2 of 2

noun

plural of call
1
2
as in visitations
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 messages
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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5
as in rights
an entitlement to something you have no call to insult people

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as in demands
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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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 calls
Verb
Though not necessarily a finding of causality, the study calls for more research and awareness into the common and routine use of melatonin by millions of individuals daily. Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 The convergence of Web2 and Web3 creates a moment that calls for clarity and confidence. CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 At its most basic, the recipe calls for two components, max, but of course, dozens of different ways to customize the recipe have already emerged. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026 The first of these proposals calls for a coordinated regional response to federal immigration raids, following the example set by Santa Clara County, with public outreach plans and staff trainings on how to protect residents accessing the county’s social services, courts and health care facilities. Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026 Instead of planting trees in the median, the redesign calls for planting dozens of trees along the sidewalks on either side of Las Olas. Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026 Olson calls systems like this that allow utility companies to recoup costs and bypass the formal and lengthy rate increase process trackers. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 21 Jan. 2026 This not only undermines local public media but also calls into question the wisdom of isolating Arkansas from a national network and associated resources that serve millions. Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026 Most Google Voice calls made in the United States to other users in the United States or Canada are free; however, some domestic and international calls have a fee. Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
In a statement to CBS13, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office said Denair averages between two and three calls for service per day. Nina Burns, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026 The result is clearer calls, no ugly boom mic and far less background noise. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 All calls are toll-free and confidential. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026 Emergency services received 28 calls related to the incident. Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026 Since the Westminster Mall’s more than 40 interior shops closed in late October, the Westminster Police Department has received more than 400 calls about trespassing, vandalism and other illicit activity, with 54 people being arrested on the property now in a holding pattern awaiting redevelopment. Victoria Le, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026 From then on, the final frame was a slow burn of foul calls and free throws. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026 Iranians were able to place some international phone calls Tuesday for the first time since authorities imposed a sweeping communications shutdown amid a violent crackdown on anti-government protests. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026 All calls are toll-free and confidential. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calls
Verb
  • Hilliker shouts as her family applauds them.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
  • Eilish shouts from the open window.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Chef Alejandro Crespo has created a menu that dials up traditional tapas.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Trump administration dials back vaccine recommendations Public health experts recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual influenza vaccine.
    Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • San Jose visits two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida on Monday night.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
  • For Texas women's basketball, a rivalry resumes on Sunday when Texas A&M visits Moody Center for the first time.
    Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 18 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Trump cancels 'second wave of attacks' against Venezuela 2.
    , FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • After her family cancels holiday plans at the last minute, Nell decides to spend the week of Christmas having fun on her own!
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • While pros agree that granite as a whole is out, regardless of shade, designer Rebecca Ward considers brown granite to be the biggest offender color-wise.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The superintendent's proposal considers increasing class sizes for first through 12th grad to 25 students, with pre-k and kindergarten classes remaining the same.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Additional crew members then rush in as a baby cries in the background, and alarms on medical equipment begin to sound.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Watching, Heining cries every darn time.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • While trying to make music after her mother’s death, Julie (Madison Reyes) summons the spirits of a band that died in 1995 and ends up behind their new lead singer.
    Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Staring November 18, Starbucks located in Target stores nationwide will be rolling out the Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate, which summons serious holiday nostalgia.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 18 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Without the tax credits, premiums for ACA enrollees who previously relied on the subsidies will increase by an average of 114%, estimates KFF, a nonprofit provider of health policy news and research.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages Texas’ power grid, currently estimates energy demand will surge 71% by 2031 due to data center growth.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Calls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calls. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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