calling 1 of 2

noun

ˈkȯ-liŋ How to pronounce calling (audio)
Definition of callingnext
1
as in cancellation
the act of putting an end to something planned or previously agreed to the calling of the match was a disappointment to both players

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in profession
the activity by which one regularly makes a living I think my true calling will be as a commercial artist

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

calling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of call
1
as in shouting
to speak so as to be heard at a distance we could hear someone calling for help from the other side of the wall

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dialing
to make a telephone call to use this cell phone to call me if there's an emergency

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3
as in visiting
to make a brief visit the hospital posts the hours during which friends and relatives may call

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4
as in canceling
to put an end to (something planned or previously agreed to) the game was called on account of rain

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in considering
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 crying
to utter one's distinctive animal sound the dog called whenever it flushed a quail

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

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8
as in estimating
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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9
as in asking
to demand or request the presence or service of rushed to call a tow truck operator when the car broke down

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10
as in naming
to give a name to we've decided to call the kitten "Molly"

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11
as in ordering
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the union president is refusing to call a strike

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12
as in predicting
to tell of or describe beforehand somehow the political pundit called the race results within a mere percentage point

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun calling differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of calling are business, employment, métier, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

Where would business be a reasonable alternative to calling?

While in some cases nearly identical to calling, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

In what contexts can employment take the place of calling?

The words employment and calling can be used in similar contexts, but employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When might métier be a better fit than calling?

The synonyms métier and calling are sometimes interchangeable, but métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

When can occupation be used instead of calling?

The meanings of occupation and calling largely overlap; however, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When is it sensible to use pursuit instead of calling?

Although the words pursuit and calling have much in common, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When would work be a good substitute for calling?

While the synonyms work and calling are close in meaning, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

How does the noun calling differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of calling are business, employment, métier, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

Where would business be a reasonable alternative to calling?

While in some cases nearly identical to calling, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

In what contexts can employment take the place of calling?

The words employment and calling can be used in similar contexts, but employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When might métier be a better fit than calling?

The synonyms métier and calling are sometimes interchangeable, but métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

When can occupation be used instead of calling?

The meanings of occupation and calling largely overlap; however, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When is it sensible to use pursuit instead of calling?

Although the words pursuit and calling have much in common, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When would work be a good substitute for calling?

While the synonyms work and calling are close in meaning, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 calling
Noun
The addition of dual-frequency GPS makes its location services more accurate, and emergency satellite calling gives you a panic button in case you get stranded in the wilderness. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 For Rojeck, delivering this advice and sharing years of wisdom with readers truly is his calling. —Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
This past week, Wang hosted his Pakistani counterpart in Beijing to hash out their five-point proposal, calling for an end to hostilities and the reopening of the strait. —Didi Tang, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026 Prepaid individual game parking must be obtained from City Parking's website, or by calling 718-588-7817. —Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calling
  1. cancellation
  2. profession
  3. shouting
  4. dialing
  5. visiting
  6. canceling
  7. considering
  8. crying
Noun
  • Lori listens in dumbfounded silence, keeping her eyes on the prize, and trying not to roll them when Julian makes a comment about the dearth of great women artists—the kind of remark that earned him a close brush with cancellation in the past.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Others experience frustration with cancellations.
    — Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of cancellation
Noun
  • The doctor has spent much of Season 2 contemplating leaving the emotionally taxing profession.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • While the particulars of Shell’s fate are still TBD, Deadline can confirm that the Paramount president has been essentially sidelined for the past several weeks since claims by a profession gambler surfaced that the exec had revealed insider information.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of profession
Verb
  • The scene quickly becomes chaotic with shouting on both sides.
    — MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
  • What was disturbing were people who sped past a foot away from elderly people, shouting obscenities with faces twisted in hatred.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of shouting
Verb
  • Backing off global equities, ramping up on cash In their asset allocation recommendation, the strategists downgraded global equities to equal weight from overweight, including dialing back exposure to emerging markets.
    — Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Howie Mandel is doubling down — and dialing back his apology during his viral on-air moment.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of dialing
Verb
  • But the moment that deeply moved his former manager came in the top of the first, as the veteran shortstop readied himself for his first at-bat at Fenway as a visiting player.
    — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Voters can find more information about how to vote and see what else will be on their ballots by visiting the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.
    — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of visiting
Verb
  • Indigo is one of a handful of airlines that are rerouting and canceling flights to avoid Pakistan’s airspace.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Soundcore Earbuds Deal The Soundcore P31i earbuds pack flagship technology into a pocket-sized design, featuring adaptive noise cancelling that can silence up to 52dB of external roar.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of canceling
Verb
  • No mean feat, considering the brand’s first 24 hotels are set in remote, leafy locations that feel worlds away from real life.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Here’s why, plus a look at other states considering the move.
    — Kristin Scharkey, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of considering
Verb
  • Shortly after the stool is thrown, her young daughter, who was nearby on the sofa during the fight, can be heard crying.
    — Angela Yang, NBC news, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Jamaica born About a hundred people gathered to lay Wilson to rest, singing, crying and laughing while remembering his kind heart, his hard work and his famous barbecue ribs and chicken wings.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Definition of crying

Phrases Containing calling

Browse Nearby Words

call in
calling
calling down
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Cite this Entry

“Calling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calling. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on calling

Nglish: Translation of calling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calling

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