call

Definition of callnext
1
2
as in visit
a coming to see another briefly for social or business reasons we paid a call on the new neighbors the day after they moved in

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in message
a communication by telephone give me a call as soon as you arrive, so I'll know you got there safely

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
as in right
an entitlement to something you have no call to insult people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6
7
as in demand
the state of being sought after especially for purchase there's not much call for woodstoves in this part of the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of call are cite, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When can cite be used instead of call?

The words cite and call are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

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

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

Where would convoke be a reasonable alternative to call?

The meanings of convoke and call largely overlap; however, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When is muster a more appropriate choice than call?

In some situations, the words muster and call are roughly equivalent. However, 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

In what contexts can summon take the place of call?

Although the words summon and call have much in common, 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 call Yet the lengthy process of carrying out such reforms and advancing the process of membership has frustrated some candidate countries, leading to some calls to find ways to accelerate the procedure. Justin Spike, Arkansas Online, 6 June 2026 Garcia said agents went over his call log, his text messages, and even his Facebook messages. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 6 June 2026 All calls will be kept confidential. Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026 Police closed the investigation on Friday, releasing details of the 911 call made on the day of his death as well as information from an interview with his occupational therapist. Francie Ebert, NBC news, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call
Noun
  • The success of such businesses, including those listed below, is a testament to Chicagoans heeding the cry to action.
    Jessi Roti, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026
  • That resilience takes root in the phrase Haitian fans selected as the rallying cry around the national team.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Trump has undergone four medical checkups in 13 months, prompting questions about the frequency of his visits, the types of tests being performed and what doctors are looking for.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 7 June 2026
  • Naqvi was set to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during the visit, semi-official Tasnim News agency reported.
    Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Aiyuk’s latest message was clear in its frustration but not always in its wording.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
  • Gregg Popovich, the former Spurs head coach, wanted to convey a message to the team.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Affinity Gaming declined multiple requests from The Times to speak about Primm’s struggles.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • The judge, who is presiding at the trial in the 296th District Court in Collin County, denied a defense request for the jury to be permitted to consider criminally negligent homicide, but jurors were instructed to consider manslaughter, a reckless killing.
    Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • As the Rams took the field for their last week of OTAs on Monday, the newest member of the organization walked out with his helmet in his left hand, pointing at new teammates with his right, his trademark white and black sweatband around his forehead.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
  • Rivera was a renowned Indigenous leader who spent years fighting for the rights of his community and was imprisoned by the government in September 2023.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Voter turnout was high for a primary election, and a significant share of voters cast ballots on or after Election Day, likely because many delayed making a decision in the governor’s race.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Stephenson is not prepared to go into too much detail, but a decision on his next step has to be made.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • The Maoists’ shrinking realm sits atop rich veins of coal, iron, and bauxite – resources essential to India’s modernization and growing energy demands; Modi’s pledge to bring electricity to every household; and his broader ambition to transform India into a developed nation.
    Dhruv Tikekar, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Many of the companies have started offering GLP-1 medications for weight loss as demand for these drugs has exploded.
    Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • In another post from 2021, Alzubi shared a graphic calling for the Fort Worth school district to vote for a mask mandate.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2026
  • Roland Garros is the only Grand Slam not to use electronic line calling, with line judges, the chair umpire, and the players using the traces left by their shots to see whether the ball was in or out.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 27 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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