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 president’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will be leading the U.S. delegation at the upcoming talks, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the plan. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025 Jean Boivin, head of the firm's Investment Institute, downgraded his outlook on U.S. stocks to neutral from overweight, citing rising trade uncertainty. Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025 Meetings are cited as a particular example; hold them only when necessary. Michael Peregrine, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 The audit, cited by pro-Kremlin media outlet RBK, tracked more than 300 companies with annual revenues exceeding $12 million. Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • Canoe and kayak clubs have also been mentioned as likely users at South Shores.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In the podcast, Binetti hit on some of the same points mentioned in press release drafts.
    Carly Flandro, Idaho Statesman, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The bill also gives the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services various requirements, including those to report specified Medicaid data to the Medicaid oversight committee.
    Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Markle did not specify which of her pregnancies was followed by postpartum preeclampsia, but the conversation—a glimpse behind the curtain—is an honest and vulnerable one.
    Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • When referred to a corporate emergency hospital, the family was quoted $10,000 for the procedure.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • During a House Rules Committee meeting Wednesday morning, top panel Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., quoted several House Republicans publicly trashing the Senate plan.
    Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Without anyone noticing, the cat went into the family bathroom, sat on the toilet seat, and peed in it like a human, despite the fact that nobody had ever shown him how to use a toilet before.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Fans of Thai Orchid will notice several differences between the original location at 6504 Martway St. Dark gray light fixtures hang from its high ceilings.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Quinn noted several limitations in Heal the Bay’s data.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Swerdlow noted that the affordable and public housing units in his buildings will be indistinguishable from the workforce apartments and that all residents will have access to amenities like gyms, gardens and swimming pools.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • For example, the report cited that collision data collected in the Czech Republic indicated that the police database contained only 43% of the injuries recorded by the public health insurance system.
    Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Volunteers who maintain the path have been collaborating with the city of San Diego to update the signs indicating the rules for e-bike use.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!