Synonyms of cite

cite

verb

ˈsīt 

1

as in to mention

to give as an example

cited several experts' opinions to back up her argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mention
• quote
• reference
• instance
• specify
• adduce
• illustrate
• represent
• source
• document
• exemplify
• name
• corroborate
• validate
• refer (to)
• touch (on or upon)
• substantiate
• bear out
• advert (to)

2

as in to specify

to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically

cited a number of similar instances of people surviving plane crashes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mention
• specify
• notice
• quote
• note
• indicate
• suggest
• instance
• explain
• name
• introduce
• refer (to)
• touch (on or upon)
• imply
• infer
• publish
• announce
• clarify
• intend
• advert (to)
• pronounce
• drop
• designate
• point (out)
• declare
• proclaim
• signify
• advertise
• allude (to)
• interject
• publicize
• signal
• elucidate
• hint (at)
• interpolate
• denominate
• bring up
• spell out
• insinuate
• interpose
• broadcast
• explicate
• intimate
• sound
• clear (up)
• worm
• broach
• infiltrate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• forget
• disregard
• slight
• overlook
• neglect
• pass over
• overpass

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

Recent Examples of cite

The driver was also cited for having no valid insurance, failure to reduce speed, and improper lane usage. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026

Environmental impact cited in ruling. —Aaron Flaum, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026

Last summer, the school laid off thirty staffers, citing budget woes. —News Desk, Artforum, 2 Mar. 2026

Most repealed them, with officials citing capital flight, disappointing revenue, high administrative costs and revenue losses from other existing taxes. —Jared Walczak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026