1
2
as in to gather
to call into being through the use of one's inner resources or powers managed to summon a bright smile despite the gloomy day

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to muster
to bring together in assembly by or as if by command summoned a special session of parliament

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of summon are call, cite, convene, convoke, and muster. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," summon implies the exercise of authority.

was summoned to answer charges

How are the words call and summon related?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When can cite be used instead of summon?

In some situations, the words cite and summon are roughly equivalent. However, 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 summon?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When is convoke a more appropriate choice than summon?

The words convoke and summon can be used in similar contexts, but convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When might muster be a better fit than summon?

Although the words muster and summon have much in common, 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

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 summon In essence, swearing serves as a tool that helps the body summon extra strength and manage discomfort when it’s most needed. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Louie is summoned to the apartment of Joe Black, a higher-up gangster played by John Malkovich with a manner so quizzical yet threatening that his voice just about quivers with unexpressed rage. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025 The attack involved summoning a flood of UDP packets with the goal of overwhelming the target server. PC Magazine, 2 Sep. 2025 As nationwide protests escalated across the world’s third largest democracy last week, Subianto during the weekend summoned the country’s prominent figures and canceled a high-profile trip to China. Niniek Karmini, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for summon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for summon
Verb
  • Southlake Carroll’s game against Hebron was also called official with the Dragons leading 35-7 in the third quarter.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Representatives for James have called the fraud claims made against her politically motivated and false.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • More than 100 people gathered at Idaho Capitol steps on Friday evening for the second annual Boise Trans March to rally for LGBTQ+ rights in Idaho — a state where these groups feel under attack.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For the second straight game, Charlotte mustered just three points in the first half.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • As a haunted doll, Annabelle has all sorts of merchandizing opportunities that other demons just can’t muster.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Clattenburg, whose post-refereeing commitments have ranged from acting as a consultant to Nottingham Forest to starring on the UK television show Gladiators, was asked by Paqueta’s legal team to pass observation on the four games being viewed as suspicious.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Prime Invitees can either ask the Prime member in their households to add them to their Amazon Family or sign up for their own Prime membership.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Community builders don’t just convene.
    Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With the Catholic Church suddenly left without a pope, Dean Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) convenes a conclave to elect a successor and opens the door to a closet full of skeletons surrounding the leading candidates.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • According to folklore, failure to notify the bees invites disaster.
    Elizabeth Bass Parman, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • During my late April stay, the water was still and inviting—ideal for a morning kayaking session, gliding quietly across the lake's surface.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 7 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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