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 At the time, Thompson cited her mental health as one of the factors that contributed to her decision. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025 Across continents, tens of thousands turned out for Thursday’s rallies marking International Workers’ Day, many citing President Donald Trump’s agenda — from aggressive tariffs spurring fears of global economic turmoil to immigration crackdowns — as a central concern. Thomas Adamson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025 JPMorgan upgrades Western Digital to overweight from neutral JPMorgan resumed coverage of the stock and upgraded Western Digital following earnings citing solid artificial intelligence demand. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 1 May 2025 First Amendment protections Heather Connor, the lawyer representing Redford and the FOP, cited New York Times v. Sullivan during an April 1 virtual court hearing in Mecklenburg Superior Court. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • Increasingly, he was mentioned as a candidate for national office.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • By 1911, their vines may have recovered, but the gap between the big firms and the small-time producers seemed wider than ever—not to mention the roiling resentment felt over the fraudulent products flooding the market.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The agency said chapters of the report underwent peer review but did not specify who reviewed it.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
  • The Live Local Act is known as the Mixed-Use Multifamily Development under the city’s code, which specifies that project approval be administrative, allowing developers to bypass much of government bureaucracy.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • There is often a wide variation in the price quoted for the same services by different reps.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The Justice Department quoted the Cybertrucks to be worth $105,485 and $107,485.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • People can improve their ability to notice and feel this positive emotion.
    Monica Y. Bartlett, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Is there construction around Epic Universe? Those who have been to Epic Universe's previews or have driven around the area recently might notice the construction on the roads and areas outside of the park.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The number could be even higher − the database notes that several universities did not indicate the amount of visas that had been revoked.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • Several tasters noted that this cake had an authentic, buttery taste.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • McFarland claimed 2,000 tickets were available for the festival, but shared permits indicated that only space for 250 people had been obtained.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause remains undetermined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

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