summons 1 of 2

Definition of summonsnext
as in warrant
a written notice ordering a person to appear in court if you ignore a court summons, you will be fined

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summons

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of summon
1
2
as in gathers
to call into being through the use of one's inner resources or powers managed to summon a bright smile despite the gloomy day

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

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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 summons
Noun
Goodman, the deputy commissioner, said the New York Department of Sanitation has issued about 6,000 summonses so far this year for dirty sidewalks, though those violations cover all types of litter. Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026 The department started issuing warnings for noncompliant buildings last April but was only sending summonses to those that had more than 30 apartments and exceeded four warnings. Clio Chang, Curbed, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
After several moments of hesitation, Rosie finally summons the courage to cross the threshold and walk through the doorway. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Staring November 18, Starbucks located in Target stores nationwide will be rolling out the Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate, which summons serious holiday nostalgia. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 18 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for summons
Recent Examples of Synonyms for summons
Noun
  • The agreement includes $100 million in new capital committed in a private placement of common stock and warrants.
    Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • He was also served with an additional warrant from the Waterbury Police Department for three counts of animal cruelty and is being held on an additional $100,000 bond.
    Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The country has seen fuel prices increase by a fifth, a ban on driving one weekday in five for individuals, and calls to reduce shower times and to charge electric cars and phones only in the daytime.
    Will Barker, TheWeek, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Fern calls this specialized autonomy.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The council meets monthly, gathers for a daylong retreat in August, and meets for volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The video shows blood on the floor of the store and the officers discussing needing an ambulance for the man’s leg injury as a crowd gathers outside.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In a typical election year, the interest in the down-ballot race for California insurance commissioner musters modest interest at best.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The king’s brother has other plans, leading to a dark time in the Pride Lands until Simba musters the courage to reclaim his rightful throne.
    Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His office is issuing subpoenas to OpenAI requesting records of the company's protocols for reporting possible crimes to law enforcement, and its handling of user threats.
    Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The committee had issued 58 subpoenas, interviewed 28 witnesses, and reviewed in excess of 33,000 documents as part of the investigation.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Before each session, McDaniel invites clients to share their personal histories, and then McDaniel performs bodywork through touch as sage smoke curls in the air.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Rose invites her in and immediately starts showing off her impressive skills by working the pole in the living room.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Florida now awaits All-SEC small forward Thomas Haugh’s decision as coach Todd Golden assembles the 2026-27 roster.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Film at Lincoln Center, which hosts the fundraising event, annually assembles a colorful cast of past collaborators, maybe future ones, and admirers for this event, like last year pairing Dua Lipa and John Waters with Pedro Almodóvar.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This charming witticism might double as a tagline for the season writ large.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Understanding the timeline is the first step to solving the issue, but taking action before a writ is served is what actually protects your income.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Summons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/summons. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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