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 Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who convened the call, expressed hope that the meeting would result in an agreement. Jesus Mesa gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025 And Fons, 59, even uses his home to convene friends, neighbors, just about anyone who will stop by for conversation, an exchange of ideas, and food — always food. Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 12 Aug. 2025 Even a few Democrats at the press conference lamented that Governor Lamont, who had convened the event, had vetoed major housing legislation passed in the recent session of the General Assembly. Chris Powell, Hartford Courant, 11 Aug. 2025 In a remarkable coincidence, one lived just a few miles away, so the group often convened in Ohio. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convene
Verb
  • During the monsoon, the monsoonal ridge will push up into the Four Corners region, summoning moisture to the region below, but Arizona has been stuck in a dry, atmospheric pattern, with most of the activity limited to the far southeastern part of the state and New Mexico.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Instead of giving up the drum, the boy plays a drum call that summons hunters and the leopard flees, allowing the boy to perform at the royal court and fulfill his duty.
    Felicia Appenteng, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Andy Buchanan | Afp | Getty Images As the U.S. vice president’s journey continued into Scotland, police were once more present — this time watching out for people who had gathered to witness Vance touch down.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Unable to match their landlords’ power — the Yankees lead the majors with 204 home runs — the Rays only mustered two runs off Carlos Rodón.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025
  • This week, stocks can’t quite muster the courage to bounce, courtesy of mixed headwinds in key data.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • So Knox asked to meet, and Lewinsky invited Knox to her hotel room.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Treatments like Ultherapy Prime reflect that shift—deeper, smarter, and more precise, with results designed to meet the needs of the individual.
    Carol RH Malasig, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Kia customers can also call customer care at 1-800-333-4542 or check out owners.kia.com/us/en/kia-owner-portal.html.
    Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
  • If the bill was a mistake, call 1-800-HHS-TIPS to report it.
    Louise Norris, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • More than 80 percent of the world’s population of sandhill cranes are said to converge on the Platte River Valley in Central Nebraska.
    Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Eventually, the assorted good and bad actors converge on the premises of Mandy’s father, who is, of all things, a psychopathic religious cult leader.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • From Zero gave Linkin Park their first No. 1 debut on the ARIA Chart, and first with the new lineup, which is now led by Armstrong and was assembled following the passing of former frontman Chester Bennington in 2017.
    Lars Brandle, Billboard, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The outspoken musician and activist Tom Morello has assembled a diverse array of artists for a playlist in protest of President Donald Trump and his Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s attacks on immigrants.
    Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • The Enola Gay flew to Iwo Jima, 3-1/2 hours away, circled once and rendezvoused with the photo and gauge B-29s.
    David Perlmutt, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Convene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convene. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.

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