Synonym Chooser

How does the verb congregate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of congregate are assemble, collect, and gather. While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle.

congregating under a shelter

Where would assemble be a reasonable alternative to congregate?

The words assemble and congregate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

When could collect be used to replace congregate?

Although the words collect and congregate have much in common, collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

When can gather be used instead of congregate?

While the synonyms gather and congregate are close in meaning, gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

Examples 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 congregate Outdoor Gnat Control Gnats can also congregate in the great outdoors, typically around light. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024 Some people congregate outside, talking in low voices and crunching the numbers about how many electoral votes are left. Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 6 Nov. 2024 Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center: Climb atop a 50-foot tower to witness sea cows congregating in Tampa Bay near the TECO Big Bend Station. Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024 Hodgkinson believes the energizing power of multiple researchers being recognized by the Nobel Prize panel for their work in AI could cause others to start congregating around the field—which could result in science of a changeable quality. Chris Stokel-Walker, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for congregate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congregate
Verb
  • As law enforcement gathered information about the life and recent whereabouts of the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, an attorney representing the suspect vowed to fight extradition to New York City.
    Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Club officials had a plethora of permutations for how this winter would unfold, but had not committed to anything before gathering this week at the Winter Meetings.
    Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Estimates vary widely, but converge on something like 10 million species.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Moreover, these exponential technologies can now converge, creating powerful synergies.
    Dr Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In New York, state and federal researchers are attempting to restore bloater, using eggs collected from northern Lake Michigan.
    Keith Matheny, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
  • In the last week, officials have started publicly warning about the Salt Typhoon attack, where China has been collecting phone records about a large number of Americans.
    Sam Sabin, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In interviews, the two discussed their friendship, and the special included footage of them meeting for the first time in 2021.
    Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Hilton has gone to the White House to advocate for child welfare, meeting with policy staff in May 2022.
    Isabella Murray, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The character references Hughes assembled were glowing and, crucially, Slot also had the self-belief to embrace the challenge of following in Klopp’s footsteps.
    James Pearce, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The camper components ship as a flat pack and assemble together without the need for tools or adhesives.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • European leaders have convened several times since the election to bolster support for Ukraine, with many countries doubling up on their commitments.
    Lily Meckel, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
  • After the British study led authorities in Europe to warn about dyes like Red 40, the FDA convened a meeting of its food advisers in 2011 to review their safety.
    Alexander Tin, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • From his football career to his business ventures, here's everything to know about how Aaron Rodgers amassed his worth.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The clip has delighted social media users, amassing more than 725,000 likes and 6 million views.
    Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Particularly juicy is de Wolfe’s guest book for Villa Trianon, lined with signatures from the artists and society set who rendezvoused at her Versailles refuge.
    Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2024
  • The Crew Dragon now has about a 28-hour ride to rendezvous with the ISS and join the nine people already on the station.
    Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near congregate

Cite this Entry

“Congregate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congregate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on congregate

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!