call 1 of 2

Definition of callnext
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as in to dial
to make a telephone call to use this cell phone to call me if there's an emergency

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as in to consider
to think of in a particular way I wouldn't quite call that cheating, but it's not entirely ethical either

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6
as in to cry
to utter one's distinctive animal sound the dog called whenever it flushed a quail

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7
as in to summon
to bring together in assembly by or as if by command called all the night workers in for a meeting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

8
as in to estimate
to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement let's call that five feet for now, and we'll measure it out later

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as in to order
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the union president is refusing to call a strike

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call

2 of 2

noun

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as in visit
a coming to see another briefly for social or business reasons we paid a call on the new neighbors the day after they moved in

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3
as in message
a communication by telephone give me a call as soon as you arrive, so I'll know you got there safely

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4
5
as in right
an entitlement to something you have no call to insult people

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as in demand
the state of being sought after especially for purchase there's not much call for woodstoves in this part of the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of call are cite, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When can cite be used instead of call?

The words cite and call are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 call?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

Where would convoke be a reasonable alternative to call?

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

convoked a Vatican council

When is muster a more appropriate choice than call?

In some situations, the words muster and call are roughly equivalent. However, 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 call?

Although the words summon and call have much in common, 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 call
Verb
This technique, called color drenching, came along with the resurgence of cozy, English interiors and ultra-dark paint colors. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026 Police later determined that Belinda's time of death was around an hour before David called 911. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
Suburban towns have aided MPD in handling the influx of 911 calls. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 Jan. 2026 Meanwhile, the professionals on LinkedIn who understand conversation dynamics are booking calls without ever feeling salesy. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call
Verb
  • The crowd, rapidly swelling into the hundreds, screamed insults and obscenities at the agents, some of whom shouted back mockingly.
    Jack Brook, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
  • While the officers secured the detainees in the van, Arturo Gonzalez, 23, shouted into a megaphone promising that this would not be the last time protestors take such actions.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • More companies are dialing back flexible work schedules and mandating that employees return to the office part-time or full-time, forcing women into tough situations.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
  • But ironically, four years after the law took effect in January 2022, patients who dial 911 can still be hit with surprise out-of-network bills for ground ambulances — a gap that reflects unfinished policy more than partisan disagreement.
    Armin Pazooki, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • China has been particularly busy, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ireland's Prime Minister Michael Martin, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Starmer all visiting Beijing this month.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Lemon is planning to visit Europe in June.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That band faces a similar situation as Mariachi Joya Azteca, with at least two major events canceled in 2025.
    Juan Cordoba, Arkansas Online, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The Anker 737 Power Bank keeps multiple devices running and charging, from your phone to your noise-canceling headphones, without weighing down your bag.
    Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Ripley is also reportedly being considered for a Women’s World Championship against Stephanie Vaquer, but that match could be complicated by Vaquer’s current injury status.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Without going into auto-pilot mode to schedule a meeting, consider evaluating it first.
    Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Fans lined up at meet-and-greets, holding her, crying, sharing their own experiences of assault and survival.
    Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
  • His attorney also submitted a video of Banfield learning of his wife's death, crying at times into his bloodied hands while a doctor patted his back.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • When summoned before a congressional committee in December, Noem struck a defiant tone.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
  • An esoteric tradition takes Solomon’s wisdom to be the Ars Goetia, ritual magic used to summon and bind demons.
    Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Researchers estimated that about 75% of this higher risk was explained by other LE8 factors, rather than sleep timing alone.
    Dr. Joseph Wendt, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • There are estimated to be 80,000 of us in the city.
    Katherine Packert Burke, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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