cite

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of cite are call, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How do call and summon relate to one another, in the sense of cite?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

How are the words convene and convoke related as synonyms of cite?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When is convoke a more appropriate choice than cite?

In some situations, the words convoke and cite are roughly equivalent. However, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When would muster be a good substitute for cite?

The synonyms muster and cite are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When can summon be used instead of cite?

The words summon and cite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, summon implies the exercise of authority.

was summoned to answer charges

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 cite At the time, Thompson cited her mental health as one of the factors that contributed to her decision. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025 Across continents, tens of thousands turned out for Thursday’s rallies marking International Workers’ Day, many citing President Donald Trump’s agenda — from aggressive tariffs spurring fears of global economic turmoil to immigration crackdowns — as a central concern. Thomas Adamson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025 JPMorgan upgrades Western Digital to overweight from neutral JPMorgan resumed coverage of the stock and upgraded Western Digital following earnings citing solid artificial intelligence demand. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 1 May 2025 First Amendment protections Heather Connor, the lawyer representing Redford and the FOP, cited New York Times v. Sullivan during an April 1 virtual court hearing in Mecklenburg Superior Court. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • And what about the lawn mowers Van Hollen mentioned?
    Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • In his on-air rebuke, Pelley was clear to mention that CBS had not killed any stories about the Trump administration or its effect on Americans’ lives in the past few months.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Live Local Act is known as the Mixed-Use Multifamily Development under the city’s code, which specifies that project approval be administrative, allowing developers to bypass much of government bureaucracy.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2025
  • Additionally, the home provides type not specified.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • More than three decades after the sitcom premiered, fans continue to quote the characters, particularly the sarcastic Bing, and snap up merchandise such as vinyl figures, shirts, and coffee mugs.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 May 2025
  • My articles have been quoted in numerous newspapers and on CNN, ABC's Good Morning America, NBC's Today Show, Oprah and other TV and radio shows.
    Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • But editors noticed that this cake went beyond the classic grocery store flavors with a unique layer of filling in the center.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
  • Rosario said he's noticed an increase in Latino jockeys over the last two decades.
    Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • The number could be even higher − the database notes that several universities did not indicate the amount of visas that had been revoked.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • Our tester noted that the pieces felt well made, supportive, and sturdy, and the waterproof cushions held up well despite numerous rainy days.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • The drone attack on Port Sudan indicates a major shift in the two-year conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
  • An unnamed ministry spokesperson was cited as saying that Beijing had taken note of various statements by senior U.S. officials indicating a willingness to negotiate over tariffs.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

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