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 Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic these swipe fees have increased nearly 70%, according to NACS, which cited data from Nilson. Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025 In documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Christine cited April 11 as the date of separation. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025 Organizers cited opposition to various administration policies, including immigration, social program funding cuts and the use of the National Guard. Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025 Merritt also cited rising fears over public safety in Chicago. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • Gasperini has left a lasting influence on many of his former players who have since become coaches in Serie A, including Thiago Motta (Bologna and Juventus), Raffaele Palladino (Fiorentina) and Ivan Juric — not to mention Antonio Conte, who has won multiple league titles with a back-three system.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Its license application also mentions potential entertainment for the establishment, including DJs and bands.
    Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • By refusing to specify details of the case, the government keeps the possibility alive of changing their reasoning or their claims to have the same effect for different reasons—just as the mob changes its reasoning for killing Cinna.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The label doesn’t specify the thread count, but the sheets certainly felt soft and luxurious.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Russini quoted another league head coach who thinks the Ravens have lost their identity on defense.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Miranda fangirled after the concert on Instagram, quoting her.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Mariah had noticed the young soldier standing alone while everyone else celebrated with loved ones.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Now is not the time for pastors to wilt or keep our heads down, hoping against hope that we won’t be noticed.
    Rev. Nathan Empsall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rogers noted that the book argues that a central cause of the war was Anglo settlers’ determination to keep slaves in bondage after Mexico largely abolished it.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Tape nerds will note that Dončić also made six 2s from the left side of the free-throw area.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The quarterback might touch the $1,000 poker chip or tap his chin or touch his black chips to indicate who at the table had the best hand.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Reason for Wausau's closure isn't clear In the letter, a formal notification that complies with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, Wausau's group vice president of the snow and ice division, JP Bourque, did not indicate the reason for the company's closure.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!