convene

verb

con·​vene kən-ˈvēn 

convened; convening

intransitive verb

: to come together in a body

We convened at the hotel for a seminar.

transitive verb

1

: to summon before a tribunal

2

: to cause to assemble

A world council was convened in Paris.

convener noun

or convenor

kən-ˈvē-nər 

Synonyms

• assemble
• call
• convoke
• muster
• summon

Choose the Right Synonym for convene

summon, call, cite, convoke, convene, muster mean to demand the presence of.

summon implies the exercise of authority.

was summoned to answer charges

call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

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

Examples of convene in a Sentence

We convened at the hotel for a seminar.

This class convenes twice a week.

A panel of investigators was convened by the president to review the case.

Recent Examples on the Web

Amid the flurry of diplomatic activity, French President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting of European heads of government in Paris on Monday ahead of the U.S.-Russia talks. —Chris Boccia, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2025

Should Pope Francis step down due to health concerns, a papal conclave would be convened to elect a new pope. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

Between the lines: Gov. Gavin Newsom convened a special session last year to establish a litigation fund with $25 million in preparation for the future fights. —Axios, 13 Feb. 2025

Yet in Morrison’s book, the show is simply the result of what Michaels has been doing all along — trying to convene talent in hopes of gaining a fortuitous result. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin convenire, from Latin, to assemble — more at convenient

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

convene

verb

con·​vene kən-ˈvēn 

convened; convening

1

: to come together in a group : assemble

2

: to cause to convene : call together

convened a meeting