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 Translation: your inner artist, lover, and muse are being summoned to take the mic. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Apr. 2025 Eddie Hearn, another of the sport’s most powerful figures, tells a story of being summoned from swimming in the sea while on holiday, such is Al-Sheikh’s pull. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 His group has been pushing for funding so bodega owners can install panic buttons to summon police immediately. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025 Though the Synod, Francis summoned priests, bishops, lay people and women to engage in an ongoing debate about some of the biggest issues facing the church, such as the blessing of gay couples and priestly celibacy. John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for summon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for summon
Verb
  • However, today most young people rarely call each other.
    Andrea Wigfield, CNN, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Marx himself would call DEI a classic case of ideology, a set of benign-seeming ideas that disguise the workings of the rulers, in this case empowered progressives.
    WSJ, WSJ, 14 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • In a video posted online, Jakes is seen pausing during his hour-long sermon, before shaking suddenly as other church members gathered around him, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • When Ayyub was a child, a group of men gathered every morning for prayer and martial arts in a field down the street from her home.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ja Morant Market reasoning: At some point, the headaches with the Morant behavior, suspensions and fines might wear thin with a team able to muster nothing more than a last-chance playoff entry through the play-in round.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In two games against the Panthers, the Lightning have mustered all of two goals.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trains to and from the airport were also halted and police asked the public to refrain from arriving in the area.
    Tamar Michaelis, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
  • One scientist asks the other one, what goes in that gap?
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • This group of cardinals will convene to choose the new pontiff.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Next week, central bank policy makers will convene for their May 6-7 meeting.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Broadway's biggest night is nigh, but a number of Hollywood heavyweights weren't invited to the party.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • This dreamy alignment invites you to explore new beliefs or cultures, sparking curiosity about the world beyond your immediate surroundings.
    Staff Author, People.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • And as of last week, automakers assembling cars in the United States will be able to offset part of the parts tariff, at least temporarily.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • Comments One of the most thrilling heists in film history required one of the starriest casts ever assembled.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Summon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/summon. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on summon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!