1
2
as in to harvest
to catch or collect (a crop or natural resource) for human use late summer is when we gather the tomatoes and begin canning them for the winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5
as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass the newspapers that had been allowed to gather on the front doorstep told thieves that the family was away on vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6
7
as in to summon
to call into being through the use of one's inner resources or powers gathered the strength to finish the marathon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb gather differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gather are assemble, collect, and congregate. While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

Where would assemble be a reasonable alternative to gather?

Although the words assemble and gather have much in common, assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

When is collect a more appropriate choice than gather?

The words collect and gather can be used in similar contexts, but collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

When could congregate be used to replace gather?

In some situations, the words congregate and gather are roughly equivalent. However, congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle.

congregating under a shelter

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 gather The coalition currently includes 35 countries that gathered in Paris, physically and by video. Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Sep. 2025 Days earlier, thousands gathered for a Gaza rally across the Lido while numerous filmmakers wore Palestine pins on the red carpet. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 On Friday, advocates and immigrants went to celebrate at El Arepazo restaurant in Doral, where Venezuelans have long-gathered to commemorate community milestones. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gather
Verb
  • Economists and others familiar with how the jobs numbers are collected have expressed confidence that Labor Department procedures will keep the data are safe from political interference.
    Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Like other Wisconsin Lottery games, the winner has 180 days from the draw date to collect their winnings.
    Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Here's exactly how to harvest the seeds for a successful tomato season the next year.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Many of the procurement decisions were made too late, well after a crop was already harvested.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Shailene Woodley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ethan Hawke, Jessie Buckley, Zachary Quinto and Edgar Ramirez were among the VIP attendees to converge at Soho House for the posh event hosted by Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The referees converged to discuss the call and agreed on the penalty.
    David Delgado, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This number, an accepted consensus derived from World Bank and Asian Development Bank data, includes roughly 700 million from China, and 400 million from Southeast Asia.
    Rich Karlgaard, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the primary fuel for the body, derived from food and released into the bloodstream.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nick O’Brien also had a big day, accumulating 423 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Despite the changes to the law, El Salvador is still accumulating bitcoin.
    Javier Bastardo, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This was the lowest yardage gained in a game under coach Zac Taylor.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Shinjiro Koizumi, the telegenic political scion who has gained prominence as Ishiba’s farm minister tasked with trying to cap soaring prices, is another possible successor.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Naturally, the orphans start being tormented by a demon, who was summoned after the girl’s parents prayed to whatever entity would bring their daughter back.
    Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
  • However, when Astrid breaks open a portal to the afterlife, Lydia is forced to summon the pinstriped menace who's never really left her mind to try and save her family.
    James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Netanyahu said Israeli forces were organising and assembling into Gaza City.
    USA Today, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Tuesday’s report states that HHS will assemble a working group of federal officials to evaluate SSRI prescribing patterns, specifically among children.
    Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gather. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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