collect 1 of 2

1
as in to contain
to gain emotional or mental control of applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed

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2
as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass dust has been collecting under my bed for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to compile
to bring together from several sources into a single volume or list collected the author's early short stories, which were originally published in several obscure sci-fi magazines

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collect

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb collect differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of collect are assemble, congregate, and gather. While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

When can assemble be used instead of collect?

The synonyms assemble and collect are sometimes interchangeable, but assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

Where would congregate be a reasonable alternative to collect?

In some situations, the words congregate and collect are roughly equivalent. However, congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle.

congregating under a shelter

When might gather be a better fit than collect?

Although the words gather and collect have much in common, gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

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 collect
Verb
Scientists monitoring a river collect data and then have a choice about whether to act on their findings. Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 11 Aug. 2025 The larvae that Bruning and Idalski collect are then sent for genetic sequencing. Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
But the proliferation of programmatic ads has raised concerns about privacy, including about smart appliances collecting data, such as smart TVs taking screenshots of what users are watching. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025 The core loop is predicated on wandering the subterranean depths of Pharloom and the majestic Citadel, picking up new abilities, hitting switches, and collecting eerie rosary beads as currency. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for collect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collect
Verb
  • This report contains results from surveys and population estimation methods conducted by Fish and Wildlife, Canadian Wildlife Service and numerous state and provincial partners.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • And while hair perfumes are typically less concentrated and contain less alcohol (to prevent dryness), our testers appreciated that the scent lingers all day long.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Over the off-season, the Dodgers accumulated a murders’ row of players, at times seemingly adding pitchers just for the heck of it.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The Kim brothers also allegedly accumulated substantial tax liabilities by failing to pay taxes assessed.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Datasets compiled by academic researchers use narrower and more operational definitions.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The cut was already priced in by investors, according to data compiled by LSEG.
    Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Civic pride meets global ambition The 2025 edition gathered nearly 13,000 attendees, including 700 professionals and 310 journalists, with screenings almost sold out and industry sessions at 90% capacity.
    Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An anime about a teenager avenging the deaths of his family at the hands of hordes of carnivorous demons wouldn’t usually be the sort of film which would be met with unanimous praise from critics.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • At first, the poster was happy to meet someone new and even adjusted the reservation to make space.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The operation was launched as a result of Poland’s invocation of NATO’s Article 4 in response to the Russian drone incursions.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • All of the other rare invocations of Article 4 were by Turkey, which asked for consultations related to threats coming from Iraq and Syria.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many of the chefs are like musicians who have graduated from covering other artists’ songs to composing their own masterpieces.
    Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Sep. 2025
  • But recently a group of AI researchers in Japan and Taiwan created a benchmark called NEWSAGENT to see how well LLMs can do at actually taking source material and composing accurate news stories.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Photos from the vigil showed supporters assembling around images of the conservative activist, surrounded by candles and other tributes.
    Sophia Compton , Andrea Margolis , Olivia Palombo, FOXNews.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Director David Ellenstein has assembled a strong quartet of farceurs who easily slide in and out of a multitude of characters, accents, funny wigs, moustaches, costumes and prop glasses while running in and out of the 25 doors on scenic designer Marty Burnett’s simple but effective set.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Collect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collect. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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