cite

Definition of citenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cite different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of cite are call, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How do call and summon relate to one another, in the sense of cite?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

How are the words convene and convoke related as synonyms of cite?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When is convoke a more appropriate choice than cite?

In some situations, the words convoke and cite are roughly equivalent. However, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When would muster be a good substitute for cite?

The synonyms muster and cite are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When can summon be used instead of cite?

The words summon and cite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 cite The island nation's leadership said Sunday that Cuba will run out of aviation fuel from Monday, likely disrupting airlines operating there, according to EFE news agency, citing two sources. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026 Hong Kong leader John Lee said Lai’s sentence demonstrated the rule of law, citing his serious crimes. Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Police did not release any other information about Gurrola or the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation. Michelle Cruz, AZCentral.com, 9 Feb. 2026 District officials have projected millions in cuts to balance the current budget under its Structural Deficit Reduction Plan, citing ongoing financial deficits as well as declining enrollment. Alexandra Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • While Ferguson was mentioned in the latest Epstein files release, she has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • That’s somehow intensified by the fact that most of the people mentioned in the files, like Paul Weiss’ now-former chairman Brad Karp, aren’t really accused of anything specific.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In 2023, Mulready specified 53 complaints.
    J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Although agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limit the amount of arsenic in public and bottled drinking water to 10 ppb, the FDA has no regulations that specify a safe level of arsenic for most foods, including candy.
    Owen Clarke, Outside, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Happy February, quotes readers!
    Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The actress quoted Nelson Mandela as part of her brief remarks.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Then Heard noticed a provision in a California law created in 2012 that allows juveniles sentenced to life without parole to petition for resentencing.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • First responders noticed that the child seemed malnourished and had bruising on his body, police said.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The first two paragraphs recalled the Holocaust, and noted that compiling a list of Jews as precedent thereto.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The iron-man mentality wasn’t much help in August (see stat to note), but 2025 saw Machado hit his 350th career homer and up his franchise-leading total to 194, surpass 2,000 career hits, earn his third Silver Slugger Award and start the All-Star Game at third base for the second time as a Padre.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The recent batch of labor market data (both public and private) indicated that there’s a high likelihood that job growth was tepid, that unemployment remained subdued and that health care remained a primary driver of overall hiring.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • However, documents indicate that the friendship continued.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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