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
  • Sounds idyllic, except one neighbor keeps summoning the cops — and eventually someone gets shot.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • He was gassed and with resident football closer Arch Manning seated courtside, the Longhorns' basketball version couldn't summon the energy to do the same against the Sooners.
    Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Israel, meanwhile, appears content to keep battering the Islamic Republic, whatever the downstream consequences, while also mustering a new offensive into southern Lebanon against Hezbollah.
    Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The same party won an election in February 2025 but could not muster a parliamentary majority, which led to a stalemate and snap vote in December.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Before experimenting with an early variation of Country Joe and the Fish alongside guitarist Barry Melton in the mid-1960s, McDonald started a small magazine called Rag Baby.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Small strokes, for example, can impair blood flow to the brain and trigger what’s called vascular dementia.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Global Efforts to Address Plastic Pollution Have Stalled In March 2022, the UN Environmental Assembly convened in Nairobi, Kenya, to debate the global plastic crisis.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Global Efforts Are Failing to Recognize the Issue In March 2022, the UN Environmental Assembly convened in Nairobi, Kenya, to debate the global plastic crisis.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convoke. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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