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

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 convene What’s leading you to convening this historic gathering? Carmen Rios, Flow Space, 5 Sep. 2025 In a statement, Republican state House Speaker Lisa Demuth urged that bipartisanship should be the focus if Minnesota lawmakers convene for a special session. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025 Getty Images What To Know Lawmakers convened a closed-door Oversight Committee briefing with several women who have identified themselves as victims of Jeffrey Epstein and members of his network as the committee pursued documents and testimony related to the case. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which shapes vaccine policy, is set to convene later this month. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convene
Verb
  • Naturally, the orphans start being tormented by a demon, who was summoned after the girl’s parents prayed to whatever entity would bring their daughter back.
    Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • However, when Astrid breaks open a portal to the afterlife, Lydia is forced to summon the pinstriped menace who's never really left her mind to try and save her family.
    James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • More than 100 people gathered at Idaho Capitol steps on Friday evening for the second annual Boise Trans March to rally for LGBTQ+ rights in Idaho — a state where these groups feel under attack.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For the second straight game, Charlotte mustered just three points in the first half.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • As a haunted doll, Annabelle has all sorts of merchandizing opportunities that other demons just can’t muster.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Plenty of agency officials were already put off by the DOGErs, who often issued peremptory orders to meet with them and answer questions.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders and Russell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants meet after the Washington Commanders beat the New York Giants 21-6 during the game at Northwest Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Landover, Maryland.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Southlake Carroll’s game against Hebron was also called official with the Dragons leading 35-7 in the third quarter.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Representatives for James have called the fraud claims made against her politically motivated and false.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Shailene Woodley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ethan Hawke, Jessie Buckley, Zachary Quinto and Edgar Ramirez were among the VIP attendees to converge at Soho House for the posh event hosted by Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The referees converged to discuss the call and agreed on the penalty.
    David Delgado, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Netanyahu said Israeli forces were organising and assembling into Gaza City.
    USA Today, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Tuesday’s report states that HHS will assemble a working group of federal officials to evaluate SSRI prescribing patterns, specifically among children.
    Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Only four days long, the mission stood out for demonstrating all of the skills needed to send astronauts to the moon, including rendezvousing and docking with an Agena target and the first successful spacewalks conducted by crewmate Buzz Aldrin.
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025
  • On their way out of Belarus, the American convoy stopped on a village road to rendezvous with a van driven by the KGB.
    Simon Shuster, Time, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Convene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convene. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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