subpoena 1 of 2

noun

sə-ˈpē-nə How to pronounce subpoena (audio)
Definition of subpoenanext
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

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subpoena

2 of 2

verb

as in to cite

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 subpoena
Noun
Earlier this year, the Justice Department issued subpoenas seeking to compel testimony from reporters at the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal. — Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 The report triggered pushback from the White House, including subpoenas delivered to the reporters ordering them to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan on Wednesday, the outlet said on Saturday. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026
Verb
Having to subpoena data would make enforcement far more laborious and less efficient. — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 1 June 2026 Cox, who blew off a similar hearing last month and agreed to appear at this one after the Council threatened to subpoena him, repeated his stance on why his department was not releasing the footage tied to the King shooting. — Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for subpoena
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subpoena
  1. summons
  2. cite
  3. summon
  4. request
  5. convene
  6. call out
  7. ask
  8. hail
Noun
  • Out of that number, 41 received criminal court summonses and were let go, while 15 were criminally charged and sent to court.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • Offenses like blowing red lights or running stop signs are currently handled via civil summonses.
    — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Definition of summons
Verb
  • Coleman cites Collins, Platner’s opponent, as the resilient Republican who doesn’t always toe the party line, keeping her constituency more in mind in her decision-making.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 July 2026
  • Lawyers for the defendants filed a motion to dismiss Roja’s case on Monday, citing the plaintiff’s failure to comply with discovery demands.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Definition of cite
Verb
  • Vacanza, in its quiet Amsterdam origins and American arrival, suggests that the world’s most transporting experiences can be carried lightly, worn close to the skin, and summoned at will.
    — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • The action is tenfold; there’s aerial warfare featuring lasers, sword fights that look straight out of Blade Runner, a blood-soaked and screaming Anya Taylor-Joy, and of course, an appearance from a massive sandworm, seemingly summoned by Chani.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2026
Definition of summon
Verb
  • Kenneth Malin, the West Cedar Creek MUD’s general manager, did not respond to a message requesting comment on the district’s discussions with Diode.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2026
  • The notice requested all evidence that had not been displayed publicly be shown again – and that additional evidence introduced during the case also be made public.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of request
Verb
  • How often the court will convene will also be under consideration.
    — Rachel Royster July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • Those convened also discussed restrictions on who can fund domestic AI startups, according to the report.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 8 July 2026
Definition of convene
Verb
  • This Amazon Essentials pair is one of the few styles available in plus sizes, and plenty of reviewers call out the long inseam for tall shoppers.
    — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 7 July 2026
  • Stand in that nowhere and call out, at the top of your lungs, to no one.
    — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Definition of call out
Verb
  • When asked about his All-Star nod over the weekend, Joe Ryan focused on his team’s offense and the upcoming schedule instead of himself.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Darnell didn’t have an answer when asked if Acuff, Clifford and Cardwell will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in the final game of the California Classic.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of ask
Verb
  • The new 6th Street Bridge, hailed as a civic landmark just steps away, was promptly stripped of its wiring by vandals and now sits pitch black at night.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Nix has a new play-caller in Davis Webb, which is being largely hailed as a good thing, including by head coach Sean Payton himself.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 July 2026
Definition of hail

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subpoena
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Cite this Entry

“Subpoena.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subpoena. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subpoena

Nglish: Translation of subpoena for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subpoena

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