Definition of convokenext
as in to summon
to bring together in assembly by or as if by command convoked the leading experts on juvenile delinquency to study the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of convoke are call, cite, convene, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

How do call and summon relate to one another, in the sense of convoke?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

In what contexts can cite take the place of convoke?

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

cited for drunken driving

How are the words convene and convoke related?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When would muster be a good substitute for convoke?

While the synonyms muster and convoke are close in meaning, 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

When can summon be used instead of convoke?

The meanings of summon and convoke largely overlap; 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 convoke For example, the leader or head of the college is called the dean; one of his duties is to coordinate the conclave that will be convoked in the event a pope dies or resigns. — Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025 Late Friday, politicians both for and against Morales reached an agreement to send to congress a bill to convoke a new presidential election. — Washington Post, 23 Nov. 2019 Maduro has vowed to resolve his nation's crisis by convoking a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela's constitution. — Fox News, 18 May 2017 Maduro has vowed to resolve his nation’s crisis by convoking a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution. — Christine Armario, The Seattle Times, 18 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convoke
Verb
  • After receiving a letter of protest, President Meyer summoned a general meeting on November 23.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Peters and two other men were summoned to appear on charges of discharging a gun in public.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Chiefs mustered four sacks in their opener but were blanked last week against the Colts, so Steve Spagnuolo will want Willis in as many obvious passing situations as possible.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
  • There’s no midrange in the tone, only the most aggressive sounds your subwoofers and tweeters can muster.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • His best friend’s wife recently called him asking for a loan.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026
  • To that end, the Senate group that oversees the CFTC is called the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Smith is building it into an event around IP and where creators, brands and platforms, as well as TV buyers and sellers, can convene (see our interview with Smith for more).
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The Clinton Global Initiative has convened political, business and philanthropic leaders to address the world’s issues for more than two decades.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convoke. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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