SUMMON Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'summon' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of summon are call , cite , convene , convoke , and muster . While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," summon implies the exercise of authority. // was summoned to answer charges

Q: How are the words 'call' and 'summon' related?

Call may be used less formally for summon . // called the legislature into special session

Q: When can 'cite' be used instead of 'summon'?

In some situations, the words cite and summon are roughly equivalent. However, cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge. // cited for drunken driving

Q: How do 'convene' and 'convoke' relate to one another, in the sense of 'summon'?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke . // convened the students

Q: When is 'convoke' a more appropriate choice than 'summon'?

The words convoke and summon can be used in similar contexts, but convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes. // convoked a Vatican council

Q: When might 'muster' be a better fit than 'summon'?

Although the words muster and summon 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

summon

verb

ˈsə-mən

Definition of summon next

as in to call

to demand or request the presence or service of without explanation, the managing editor summoned me to his office

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to gather

to call into being through the use of one's inner resources or powers managed to summon a bright smile despite the gloomy day

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to muster

to bring together in assembly by or as if by command summoned a special session of parliament

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of summon are call, cite, convene, convoke, and muster. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," summon implies the exercise of authority.

was summoned to answer charges

How are the words call and summon related?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When can cite be used instead of summon?

In some situations, the words cite and summon are roughly equivalent. However, 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 summon?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When is convoke a more appropriate choice than summon?

The words convoke and summon can be used in similar contexts, but convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When might muster be a better fit than summon?

Although the words muster and summon 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

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 summon Jack Lang had been summoned to report on Sunday to the Foreign Ministry, which supervises the Arab World Institute, a cultural and research institution that promotes understanding of the Arab world. —

Reuters 13 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026 News also broke on Friday that Lang had been summoned to the French Foreign Ministry for a meeting on Sunday at the request of French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. —

Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2026 This is the franchise that summoned Michael Soroka at only 20 years old and called upon Spencer Schwellenbach, but the average Braves fan had probably never heard of him. —

Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 6 Feb. 2026 In Seoul, Censori is summoned to a final dress rehearsal for the show. —

Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for summon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for summon

Verb

Training and case management through FRAP is supposed to help attorneys deal with what Clegg calls a difficult area of law.

— Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026
Kennedy Basham was called for a foul on the play and Masogayo sank the and-1 for the win.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026

Definition of call

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summits

summon

summoned

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“Summon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/summon. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of summon

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