cite

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 Erik Menendez’s legal counsel, led by attorney Leslie Abramson, cited self-defense against the brothers’ abusive father and complacent mother as the reason for the killings. Jack Dunn, Variety, 14 May 2025 Police said a motorist behind her sideswiped Brown's vehicle in their attempt to swerve out of the way, according to reporting by KSDK and Fox 2, citing police. Christina Coulter, People.com, 14 May 2025 The civil fraud investigation is looking into the company's practices for recording diagnoses that trigger extra payments to its Medicare Advantage plans, the WSJ said, citing people familiar with the matter. Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 14 May 2025 For example, Lee cites a client who put butterfly wallpaper in the entryway closet where her kids store their coats and shoes. Matt Alderton, USA Today, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, was previously mentioned in Cassie's November 2023 lawsuit against Combs.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Not to mention, much of the deep ocean remains unexplored by scientists—so the extent of any potential harm to ecosystems is still not fully understood.
    Victor Vescovo, Time, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The developer doesn’t specify any further system requirements.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
  • Martin did not specify which pardons were under review, but his remarks suggest the Trump administration could challenge or investigate the legality of some of Biden’s final clemency decisions before leaving office in January.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The Daily Mail also quoted McLaughlin, a Trump appointee under Noem as an assistant DHS secretary, as being totally supportive.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Officials who run a half-dozen public media stations spoke to NPR News for this story on condition they not be quoted, citing the sensitivity of the moment.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • He's also noticed that workers often shovel coal in bouts, working hard in teams of two or three, and then all taking breaks together.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 18 May 2025
  • Dempsey-Beggs’ boss noticed her nervousness and pulled her aside, asking what the alarm was.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • For now, the following three attractions are excluded: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Mine-Cart Madness Dragon Racer’s Rally Guests should note that the free Express Passes included with stays at select Universal Orlando resorts may not be used at Epic Universe.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • The process of learning to sign creates pathways in the brain that help your child pick up any language more easily later in life, notes Fosca Shackleton White, director of the Montessori Academy of Chicago.
    Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
  • His body had apparently been doused in gasoline, and several people indicated the presence of bruises on his body.
    Alex Heigl, People.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

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