collect 1 of 2

1
as in to contain
to gain emotional or mental control of applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass dust has been collecting under my bed for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to compile
to bring together from several sources into a single volume or list collected the author's early short stories, which were originally published in several obscure sci-fi magazines

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5

collect

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb collect differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of collect are assemble, congregate, and gather. While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

When can assemble be used instead of collect?

The synonyms assemble and collect are sometimes interchangeable, but assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

Where would congregate be a reasonable alternative to collect?

In some situations, the words congregate and collect are roughly equivalent. However, congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle.

congregating under a shelter

When might gather be a better fit than collect?

Although the words gather and collect have much in common, gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

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 collect
Verb
The data the two missions collect is widely used, including by scientists, oil and gas companies and farmers who need detailed information about carbon dioxide and crop health. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 4 Aug. 2025 Mosquito larvae hatch in areas where standing water collects, like ponds, birdbaths, flower pots, and gutters. Maggie Horton, People.com, 18 July 2025
Noun
The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack collects another double on the new-look ARIA Charts, while Australian artists John Butler and G Flip are the week’s fastest starters. Lars Brandle, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025 One multi-year project includes collecting core samples from glaciers to measure snow accumulation, the main contributor to glacial growth. Stefanie Waldek, AFAR Media, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for collect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collect
Verb
  • This report contains results from surveys and population estimation methods conducted by Fish and Wildlife, Canadian Wildlife Service and numerous state and provincial partners.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • And while hair perfumes are typically less concentrated and contain less alcohol (to prevent dryness), our testers appreciated that the scent lingers all day long.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Over the off-season, the Dodgers accumulated a murders’ row of players, at times seemingly adding pitchers just for the heck of it.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The Kim brothers also allegedly accumulated substantial tax liabilities by failing to pay taxes assessed.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The focus on Mandelson over his links to Epstein accentuated this week after the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released a 50th birthday album compiled in 2003 for Epstein, who at the time was a wealthy and well-connected financier.
    Pan Pylas, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The day after Kirk’s murder, his supporters gathered at Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Phoenix to pay their respects to the man who built a movement.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Based on a video shared by Hello Magazine, the princess took a few seconds to simply gather her hair into a low ponytail and tie it into a knot.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An anime about a teenager avenging the deaths of his family at the hands of hordes of carnivorous demons wouldn’t usually be the sort of film which would be met with unanimous praise from critics.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • At first, the poster was happy to meet someone new and even adjusted the reservation to make space.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The operation was launched as a result of Poland’s invocation of NATO’s Article 4 in response to the Russian drone incursions.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • All of the other rare invocations of Article 4 were by Turkey, which asked for consultations related to threats coming from Iraq and Syria.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many of the chefs are like musicians who have graduated from covering other artists’ songs to composing their own masterpieces.
    Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Sep. 2025
  • But recently a group of AI researchers in Japan and Taiwan created a benchmark called NEWSAGENT to see how well LLMs can do at actually taking source material and composing accurate news stories.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Photos from the vigil showed supporters assembling around images of the conservative activist, surrounded by candles and other tributes.
    Sophia Compton , Andrea Margolis , Olivia Palombo, FOXNews.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Director David Ellenstein has assembled a strong quartet of farceurs who easily slide in and out of a multitude of characters, accents, funny wigs, moustaches, costumes and prop glasses while running in and out of the 25 doors on scenic designer Marty Burnett’s simple but effective set.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Collect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collect. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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