Synonyms of congregate

congregate

verb

ˈkäŋ-gri-ˌgāt 

1

as in to gather

to bring together in one body or place

both captains congregated their team members for some pregame strategizing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gather
• collect
• assemble
• amass
• accumulate
• garner
• group
• corral
• join
• combine
• concentrate
• get together
• lump
• pack
• constellate
• round up
• bulk (up)
• unite
• organize
• pick up
• flock
• muster
• huddle
• arrange
• bunch
• ball
• connect
• rally
• herd
• pile
• cluster
• raise
• batch
• stack
• merge
• throng
• band
• compile
• swarm
• heap
• regroup
• hive
• pool
• collate
• link
• brigade
• systematize
• press
• archive
• scrape (up or together)
• regather
• re-collect

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disperse
• scatter
• dispel
• dissipate
• separate
• dissolve
• split (up)
• send
• disintegrate
• sever
• dismiss
• break up
• disband

2

as in to converge

to come together into one body or place

pilgrims have been congregating in the town's historic square for centuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gather
• converge
• meet
• convene
• assemble
• rendezvous
• collect
• join
• cluster
• get together
• conglomerate
• concentrate
• forgather
• merge
• cooperate
• collaborate
• concenter
• unite
• consolidate
• club
• couple
• reconvene
• confederate
• affiliate
• federate
• band (together)
• associate
• consort
• conjoin
• ally
• caucus
• gang up
• reassemble
• regather
• remeet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disperse
• leave
• disband
• split (up)
• break up
• depart
• take off
• dissociate
• disunite
• disjoin

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb congregate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of congregate are assemble, collect, and gather. While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle.

congregating under a shelter

Where would assemble be a reasonable alternative to congregate?

The words assemble and congregate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

When could collect be used to replace congregate?

Although the words collect and congregate have much in common, collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

When can gather be used instead of congregate?

While the synonyms gather and congregate are close in meaning, gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of congregate

As the days of the offseason tick down and the Twins prepare to congregate in Florida — pitchers and catchers officially report to spring training next Thursday — Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll remains on the lookout for ways to bolster the bullpen. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 4 Feb. 2026

Against that backdrop, placing people — including children — into congregate detention facilities without systematic vaccination safeguards is not merely a lapse in preparedness. —Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 4 Feb. 2026

Immediately following the crash, the superintendent rushed to the railroad crossing, where other district employees had already congregated. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026

The atmosphere is building as more fans congregate, pinning up their flags and banners, and joining in with the chorus of chants. —Theo Lloyd-Hughes, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026