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 He was initially cleared by an independent tribunal convened by the ITIA, but after an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Sinner and WADA’s legal teams reached a case resolution agreement. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Our City Council demanded answers — convening oversight hearings and seeking truth for our workers and our residents. Zac Blanchard, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2025 The needs assessment initiative is convened by the Western Idaho Community Health Collaborative. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 27 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for convene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convene
Verb
  • All cardinals in Rome were summoned to a meeting Tuesday before a new pope is elected.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The phrase, summoning a kind of papal succession, alerted the political faithful that Sheinbaum had been chosen to succeed López Obrador as the head of his party, the National Regeneration Movement, or MORENA.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
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
  • Whether gathering to celebrate major achievements or connect with community, these moments captured the power of Black culture.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ja Morant Market reasoning: At some point, the headaches with the Morant behavior, suspensions and fines might wear thin with a team able to muster nothing more than a last-chance playoff entry through the play-in round.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In two games against the Panthers, the Lightning have mustered all of two goals.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 25 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
  • However, today most young people rarely call each other.
    Andrea Wigfield, CNN, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Marx himself would call DEI a classic case of ideology, a set of benign-seeming ideas that disguise the workings of the rulers, in this case empowered progressives.
    WSJ, WSJ, 14 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • Outdoor tourism is even more essential to Damascus, where the Virginia Creeper and Appalachian Trails converge.
    Barbara Kingsolver, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The body’s chakras Yogis believe that the body contains many chakras: spinning wheels, or energy centers, where feelings, emotions, and thoughts converge.
    Tony Sanchez, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
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

“Convene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convene. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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