Synonyms of subpoena

subpoena 1 of 2

noun

sə-ˈpē-nə 

as in summons

a written notice ordering a person to appear in court

received a subpoena to appear as a witness for the prosecution

Synonyms & Similar Words

• summons
• warrant
• process
• writ
• ticket
• capias

subpoena

2 of 2

verb

as in to cite

Related Words

• cite
• summon
• request
• call up
• convene
• call out
• ask
• hail
• invite
• order
• assemble
• call
• bid
• muster
• demand
• invoke
• convoke
• requisition
• command
• page
• whistle
• ring
• beckon
• buzz
• knell

Dissimilar Words

• dismiss
• send (away)
• turn away
• run off
• cast out
• oust
• eject
• expel
• boot (out)
• rout
• throw out
• banish
• out
• turf (out)
• kick out
• drum (out)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of subpoena

Noun

Democrats in Congress were already queuing to get their shot at Musk, with possible subpoenas and investigations. — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

But a public safety budget comprising more than half of the county’s entire operating budget should not be insulated from ordinary legislative oversight by the threat of a subpoena. — Jose Navarro, Sun Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Verb

Whether the federal government allows the state to subpoena federal witnesses, such as the agents involved in these cases, may indicate how any charges against the officers who killed Renée Good and Alex Pretti might proceed. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Kushner, meanwhile, is the target of a UEFA legal effort—the European soccer governing body wants to subpoena him to testify about investment negotiations with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026

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