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 Eli Wallach convokes The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Armond White, National Review, 16 Aug. 2023 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. Christine Armario, The Seattle Times, 18 May 2017 Maduro has vowed to resolve his nation's crisis by convoking a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela's constitution. Fox News, 18 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convoke
Verb
  • Despite his displeasure, Drasner did not discourage Browne from pursuing the story, the editor said, although Drasner did summon Browne to his office the next day.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Ea summoned the womb-goddess Belet-ili to create man from clay, divine spit, and the heart of the rebellious Nusku.
    Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In 2024, after decades of false starts, the Biden administration mustered the courage to defy that coalition.
    Binyamin Appelbaum, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Instead, the pinstripers couldn’t even muster a hit against the lefty until the seventh inning when Ben Rice delivered their first knock of the day, a one-out single.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • According to Google Maps, the building is registered to a limo company called Toptown Limo Ride.
    Christina Fan, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Baby Amalia, as Mukherjee called her, had been sent to a San Antonio hospital with critically low oxygen levels.
    Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Congress must convene immediately and begin proceedings to remove this man from office for the safety of our nation, Americans, and the world.
    Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Community members, former hospital staff and local officials convened Monday night at the Oak Park Public Library to make their voices heard regarding the closing of West Suburban Medical Center.
    Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convoke. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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