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 In the West Bank, Palestinians say Israel has used the cover of the Iran war to tighten its grip over the territory, as settler attacks surge and the military imposes additional wartime restrictions on movement, citing security. Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 But a federal bankruptcy judge halted the sale, citing concerns about the auction process and disputes over the bids. Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026 The state prosecution in Brno confirmed the find but did not give further details, citing a police investigation. ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026 Because of their large families and the nature of their viral content, Smith and Neeleman both tend to get cited in conversations about a conservative cultural resurgence; in 2024, Nara and Lucky Blue Smith even took their kids to visit the Neeleman clan in Kamus, Utah. Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • Nowhere in Monday's press release announcing the CEO shift did Apple mention AI.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
  • In the first half of the semester, the specific assignment was a factor in each paper due, and Andrew wrote nothing that covered, went into, or even mentioned the factor assigned.
    John McPhee, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Paramedics took four people to the hospital after the crash, but department officials did not specify which vehicles the victims were in.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The traffic code was appropriately amended to specify maximum speeds.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Where shows like The Office and New Girl are endlessly quoted and have given birth to high-profile rewatch podcasts hosted by famous cast members, Malcolm in the Middle hasn’t added any catchphrases to the cultural lexicon, and its only active rewatch podcast is relatively obscure.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Johor Malaysia Nature Society adviser Vincent Chow was quoted by The Star English-language newspaper as saying that Hoang may have acted as a stockist for a larger syndicate.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But as the 21-year-old cornerback approaches the NFL Draft projected as a second-round pick, those closest to him remember when his size was the first thing people noticed, and often the only thing.
    Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Take our recent example game’s score of eight to six with a goal of 10 points; Fermat would notice that the game must end within five coin flips.
    Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fusco noted that even though the cuts are for non-teaching staff, children—especially the most vulnerable—will be affected.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Shoppers note that the fabric is soft to the touch and the ideal weight for spring and summer when used by itself, or suitable for year-round use in milder climates.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The forensic report also indicated that Trottier's DNA matched that of tissue paper recovered from the scene, the affidavit alleges, per the outlets.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Wells Fargo's Efficiency Ratio came in a bit higher than expected, but still indicated significant improvement, with a year-over-year decline of 2 percentage points, or 200-basis-points (a lower number is better here).
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

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