cite

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of cite are call, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How do call and summon relate to one another, in the sense of cite?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

How are the words convene and convoke related as synonyms of cite?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When is convoke a more appropriate choice than cite?

In some situations, the words convoke and cite are roughly equivalent. However, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When would muster be a good substitute for cite?

The synonyms muster and cite are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When can summon be used instead of cite?

The words summon and cite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 cite The Guggenheim Museum in New York in late February began dismissing 20 employees across the institution, or 7 percent of its workforce, citing the continued challenge of returning to fiscal stability in the post-pandemic years. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 14 Mar. 2025 The man’s fraudulent orders, discovered in an audit, were approved by fiscal staff who were unaware how much gold the school typically used each month, the Indy Star reported, citing court records. Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025 In February, 19% cited labor quality, 16% reported inflation as their single most important problem, and 16% reported taxes. William Dunkelberg, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 The lawsuit in Alabama brings a defamation claim against the woman, citing the NBC News interview. Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • Not to mention much less portable than the super-light Air.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • This isn't the first time the public has become aware of C4, as the project was mentioned to be in development – alongside Project M0 – when it was reported that ZA/UM laid off staff and cancelled a Disco Elysium expansion in 2024.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Unless otherwise specified by the instructions on your liquid masking product, let the paint dry before attempting to remove the liquid masking tape.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Officials declined to specify why the immigrants were transferred, and the government has not said whether Guantanamo might be used again in the future.
    Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Religious Easter Quotes Bible quotes about the resurrection are a perfect fit for Easter.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Pete Rizzo — aka The Bitcoin Historian on X/Twitter — recently quoted Dorsey speculating that Bitcoin might be the currency of AI with the rationale that autonomous agents of AI will gravitate toward zero-friction transactions.
    Tor Constantino, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Retailers often anticipate a bump in sales around dividend time each year and even small businesses notice the uptick.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The new policy allows Ferbert to skip the time-consuming step of asking the council for permission in the form of a briefing session that must be scheduled days in advance and publicly noticed.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Some astutely noted how, in a world without enforceable contracts, there is more upside than downside to breaking a promise.
    Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • This quality, Guan noted, hadn’t been expressed in Peng’s previous films.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Studies indicate that mindfulness practitioners are less susceptible to misinformation, as meditation fosters rational thinking and deliberate decision-making.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacramento Bee, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

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