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

Goldin’s family has spent years campaigning for his return, citing Israel’s commitment to the principle of leaving no one behind in conflict. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025

The judge cited the betrayal of parents' trust as one factor in the sentencing decision. —Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 8 Nov. 2025

Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia publicized her bid for Council president, thrusting the typical backroom negotiations into the public eye while citing a desire to disrupt a process that has become exclusive and turned the job into an appointment. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

According to The Monmouth Journal and The Post and Courier, which cited a school spokesperson, Owen transferred to the College of Charleston in January and was in the middle of his second semester as a freshman. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025