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

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 congregate As Musiala signalled to Kimmich to take the corner quickly, Donnarumma carried on walking and joined what was now a group of five Italians, who had congregated outside the six-yard box to dissect their problems. Stuart James, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 Their neighbors – the people who would congregate around a red picnic table in their old front yard – are grappling with the same sense of unfamiliarity paired with uncertainty. Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Mar. 2025 Knapp, in Colorado, said his organization is shifting its approach away from bird flu outreach at events where farmworkers congregate, because that could be perceived as a setup -- and could inadvertently become one if ICE agents targeted such an event. Amy Maxmen | Kff Health News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025 That evening, 70 teens congregated on Lake Street downtown, but no incidents of violence were reported during the event, police said. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for congregate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congregate
Verb
  • In a video posted online, Jakes is seen pausing during his hour-long sermon, before shaking suddenly as other church members gathered around him, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • When Ayyub was a child, a group of men gathered every morning for prayer and martial arts in a field down the street from her home.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Outdoor tourism is even more essential to Damascus, where the Virginia Creeper and Appalachian Trails converge.
    Barbara Kingsolver, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Gladstone and Boselli converged in the draft room — Gladstone pacing and fondling a football (which has become his custom), Boselli reclining in a chair facing the draft board — and spoke excitedly of the night ahead.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Healthcare institutions and insurers arguably collect the most sensitive information about you, including IDs, contact details, addresses and medical records.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Hunter won the Heisman Trophy in 2024 after catching 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense, while collecting 36 tackles and four interceptions on defense.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Hall of Fame voting panel will meet May 20 in Charlotte and determine the Class of 2026.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In February 2024, Francis met with the trustees of the University of Notre Dame, a Catholic institution in Indiana.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The mission will be the ninth crew mission to Tiangong, and the sixth visit since the three-module orbital outpost was fully assembled in October 2022.
    Tariq Malik, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Foreign companies producing goods in the U.S. are also affected, like Airbus, which assembles some of its narrow-body planes in Alabama, but relies on imports.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge,Annika Kim Constantino,Leslie Josephs,Ari Levy,Amelia Lucas,Melissa Repko,Hugh Son,Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • According to Reuters, Trump on Tuesday convened a Situation Room meeting with top national security officials to discuss Iran's nuclear program ahead of the talks.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • On April 11, more young Danes convened at Aarhus City Hall to honor Isabella's birthday in a tribute to the city's young talent in music, sport, cuisine and design.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Thanks to his new entry, Royce amasses 36 top 10s on Tropical Airplay, breaking a tie with Jerry Rivera for the fourth-most overall since the ranking launched in 1994.
    Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Sophomore attacker Taylor Hoss led all players with four assists and six points, junior attacker Ava Angello amassed two goals and three assists, and senior midfielder Charlotte Smith, a Baltimore resident and Bryn Mawr graduate, compiled one goal and two assists.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Shenzhou 20 spacecraft is scheduled to rendezvous and dock at the Tiangong space station around 6.5 hours after launch.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • On February 28, it is set to look even more glamorous, as everyone who’s anyone in French film will rendezvous here to celebrate the César Awards, France’s equivalent of the Oscars.
    Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Congregate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congregate. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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