Synonyms of convene

convene

verb

kən-ˈvēn 

1

as in to summon

to bring together in assembly by or as if by command

convened the members of the council for an emergency session

Synonyms & Similar Words

• summon
• muster
• call
• assemble
• convoke
• gather
• reconvene
• rally
• call up
• call out
• call in
• collect
• group
• amass
• round up
• reassemble
• knell

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dissolve
• break up

2

as in to gather

to come together into one body or place

the conventioneers convened in the auditorium to hear the guest speaker

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word convene different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of convene are call, cite, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

How are the words call and summon related as synonyms of convene?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When is it sensible to use cite instead of convene?

The words cite and convene can be used in similar contexts, but cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

Where would convoke be a reasonable alternative to convene?

The meanings of convoke and convene largely overlap; however, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When would muster be a good substitute for convene?

Although the words muster and convene have much in common, 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

In what contexts can summon take the place of convene?

In some situations, the words summon and convene are roughly equivalent. However, summon implies the exercise of authority.

was summoned to answer charges

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of convene

Which makes for interesting discussion, this week and beyond, when the selection committee convenes. —Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025

The board will convene sometime next year with initial work expected to focus more on policy than projects. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025

While Taft limited his interactions with journalists, Woodrow Wilson convened the first-ever White House press conference in March 1913. —JSTOR Daily, 7 Nov. 2025

After that, county prosecutors plan to convene a grand jury to consider first-degree murder charges. —Robb Murray, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2025