Definition of convenenext

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 After the world’s most awkward funeral, everyone convenes back at the family’s nearby vacation house. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026 Hunter constructed a wooden back porch (with soundscape, empty milk bottles, washboard and broom) and a moveable front stoop in the BMRC Gallery — integral places in Chicago and the South Side where the Black community convenes. Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 How often the court will convene will also be under consideration. Rachel Royster july 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026 Little of this was in discussion as the NATO leaders convened in Ankara. Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for convene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convene
Verb
  • The argumentative duo are summoned to investigate a murder in rural Nebraska that has mysterious connections to dangerous extraterrestrials.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 July 2026
  • His only snap last season came once Jones graciously summoned him to take the victory kneel-down over the New York Giants.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Once the excitement had died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed his cheek.
    Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
  • He was surrounded by beige pleather armchairs gathered around low tables adorned with silk flowers.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Some became stockmen, learning to ride settlers’ horses and using their deep knowledge of the land to muster cattle on horseback across vast landscapes.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • England could muster only 150-4, with Nat Sciver-Brunt struggling to an unbeaten 58, before Australia coasted home, opener Beth Mooney leading the charge with 64 off 49 balls.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Clemente, the radar systems professor, noted that Ukrainian industry has become extremely agile to meet evolving threats.
    Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • For the religious right, churches have long been a place where politics meet ideological beliefs.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2026
  • The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
    Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Verb
  • Gerut argues that Amazon and SpaceX are evolving into converging infrastructure conglomerates.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 14 July 2026
  • The landscape opens up, and passengers catch glimpses of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers converging to form the Ohio River.
    Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • In one experiment, participants who assembled furniture themselves were willing to pay 63% more for it than participants who received the same item preassembled.
    Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026
  • Each vehicle takes about 900 hours of labor to assemble, all of which is done by hand.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Starship and Blue Moon will both require refueling flights in order to land astronauts on the lunar surface and then launch them back to orbit around the moon to rendezvous with Orion.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 7 July 2026
  • From there, Link will rendezvous with Swift, take hold of it with its three grappling arms and use its thrusters to carry it to a higher orbit.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convene. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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