Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of convene are call, cite, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

How are the words call and summon related as synonyms of convene?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When is it sensible to use cite instead of convene?

The words cite and convene can be used in similar contexts, but cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

Where would convoke be a reasonable alternative to convene?

The meanings of convoke and convene largely overlap; however, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When would muster be a good substitute for convene?

Although the words muster and convene 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

In what contexts can summon take the place of convene?

In some situations, the words summon and convene are roughly equivalent. However, 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 convene The Senate will convene at 3 p.m. The president will sign executive orders during two Oval Office sessions, one at 1 p.m. and another at 5:30 p.m. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025 According to an Israeli official, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz and other officials were convening Friday for a security assessment about Lebanon. CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025 The four stars of the project, which Deadline revealed last week will be titled Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, convened Monday at Warner Bros. Studios. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2025 Jordan is expected to convene a hearing next Tuesday. Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convene
Verb
  • Sammie’s music even summons traditional Chinese dancers, awakening Americanized Bo and Grace’s cultural heritage.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Trump summoned House Republicans to the White House for a midday meeting as the beleaguered speaker pulls out all the stops to nudge the process forward before lawmakers leave Thursday for a two-week spring recess.
    Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This sort of detail is what McGavin appreciates in the stories she’s gathered.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2025
  • As the trend gathered steam, Democratic President Bill Clinton vetoed 37 bills in his two terms.
    David M. Drucker, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Vitor Pereira arrived at Molineux a virtual unknown in December, but has mustered the steely composure to transform Wolves’ leaky defence while presenting himself as a loose cannon on the touchline.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Given the difficulty of mustering enough votes in the Senate to remove a judge from the bench, Johnson and other House Republicans are looking more seriously at defunding or eliminating courts that emerge as an obstacle to Trump’s agenda.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Pisces moon meeting Venus and Neptune deepens an emotional connection.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Their new album Rushmere is named after where the band originally met in Wimbledon.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Those in need of shelter from the cold can call 211 to check availability of beds.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Their children’s schoolmates call the sisters the Puffling Queens.
    Cheryl Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • Lady in the Lake When the disappearance of a young girl grips the city of Baltimore in 1966, the lives of two women converge on a fatal collision course.
    Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
  • These brave ants converge upon the intruders, initiating a final, irreversible act of self-destruction.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The basic act of assembling and protesting the government’s actions is unquestionably protected, according to the First Amendment Coalition, a California nonprofit that’s committed to protecting freedom of speech.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Amazon will assemble that big constellation over more than 80 launches, the majority of them performed by the Atlas V and its successor, ULA's new Vulcan Centaur.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • On February 28, it is set to look even more glamorous, as everyone who’s anyone in French film will rendezvous here to celebrate the César Awards, France’s equivalent of the Oscars.
    Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
  • By this point, Okoro Carroll has already rendezvoused with her script coordinator at least once to toss around ideas.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Convene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convene. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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