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 Neumeyer managed to break free as the guard attempted to detain him, leaving behind his backpack, the DOJ said, citing a complaint. Hannah Rabinowitz, CNN Money, 25 May 2025 The graphic designer filed for divorce from the Hocus Pocus star, 48, on Thursday, May 22, citing irreconcilable differences, according to court documents viewed by PEOPLE. Bailey Richards, People.com, 25 May 2025 The chatbots cite websites that review and rate mattresses, coffee makers and other products. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025 One restaurant was cited for repeat violations and rodents and roaches were found at others in the latest round of Plano health inspections, according to the inspection report. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, was previously mentioned in Cassie's November 2023 lawsuit against Combs.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Not to mention, much of the deep ocean remains unexplored by scientists—so the extent of any potential harm to ecosystems is still not fully understood.
    Victor Vescovo, Time, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The report also specifies that North America travelers increased 11 percent over the time period.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025
  • Though the park did not specify what year the church was developed, scholars generally say that Late Antiquity occurred between the third and sixth centuries.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • The Daily Mail also quoted McLaughlin, a Trump appointee under Noem as an assistant DHS secretary, as being totally supportive.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Officials who run a half-dozen public media stations spoke to NPR News for this story on condition they not be quoted, citing the sensitivity of the moment.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • He's also noticed that workers often shovel coal in bouts, working hard in teams of two or three, and then all taking breaks together.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 18 May 2025
  • Dempsey-Beggs’ boss noticed her nervousness and pulled her aside, asking what the alarm was.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • In his post announcing Derringer's death, Wilson noted that arrangements for a memorial service for Derringer will be announced at a later date out of respect to his family and loved ones.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 May 2025
  • Brondello noted that the Liberty allowed too many open threes to start the third and didn’t finish defensive possessions strongly on shot attempts.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Currently, there is no data indicating the containment progress of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
  • Discoveries indicate that coffee has significant antimicrobial properties that are effective against a range of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens in agriculture.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

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