Definition of gatheringnext
1
2
3

gathering

2 of 3

adjective

gathering

3 of 3

verb

present participle of gather
1
2
as in harvesting
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5
as in accumulating
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 summoning
to call into being through the use of one's inner resources or powers gathered the strength to finish the marathon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 gathering
Noun
Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publication process. Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026 Intersections, usually a gathering spot in a July parade, and the number of floats and marchers, seemed to be down in number. Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
All four of these orbiters are gathering science data of their own, however. Mike Wall, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026 In the process of making the film, the team is currently gathering memories, photos, videos, and stories from anyone who has encountered Happy and the six other Dwarf elephants. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gathering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gathering
Noun
  • During the test, the lock and pivot assembly showed no displacement or structural failure.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • To sweeten the deal, simple assembly gets you to the lounging part faster.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In my 17 seasons in the professional game, dealing with persistent infringement was never discussed at a training meeting, and no single method was promoted as best practice.
    Graham Scott, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Try something new, speak up in a meeting, or let your enthusiasm show without immediately toning it down.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The gradual accumulation of these substances in the body can disrupt normal physiological functions, ultimately leading to disease, impaired health, and, in severe cases, death.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The method could combat refuse accumulation and provide sustenance in remote or disaster locations — or in space someday.
    Devika Rao, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But this bet will face its most serious test in the brewing Republican presidential primary.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Research-Grade Interviewing Beyond collecting responses, ascertain whether the system uses research-grade interviewing to probe for deeper meaning.
    Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • There’s no point collecting the seeds since mums sold at the store are usually hybrids and won’t produce the same plant when grown from seed.
    Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Some farmers in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa have started planting and harvesting perennial rice in their fields.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The harvest moon gets its name due to the moon rising right after the sun sets, giving additional light to farmers while harvesting crops, according to the almanac.
    Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Space technology, autonomy and robotics are converging around AI, sensors, edge compute, power systems and advanced manufacturing.
    John Gabriel, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Also converging upon the city are Ahmed, who has lost his job in the 1929 stock market crash, and a riveter on the under-construction Empire State Building with secret connections to all of them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In 1995, the death of 16-year-old John Marshall, who suffered a heart attack deriving from an undiagnosed condition known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, proved to be a line-in-the-sand moment.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • There's no retrieval system for reusing institutional knowledge rather than re-deriving it.
    Imran Aftab, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gathering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gathering. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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