Synonyms of convene

convene

verb

kən-ˈvēn 

1

as in to summon

to bring together in assembly by or as if by command

convened the members of the council for an emergency session

Synonyms & Similar Words

• summon
• muster
• call
• assemble
• convoke
• gather
• reconvene
• rally
• call up
• call out
• call in
• collect
• group
• amass
• round up
• reassemble
• knell

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dissolve
• break up

2

as in to gather

to come together into one body or place

the conventioneers convened in the auditorium to hear the guest speaker

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gather
• meet
• converge
• assemble
• rendezvous
• congregate
• join
• get together
• collect
• foregather
• merge
• cluster
• concentrate
• conglomerate
• cooperate
• collaborate
• reconvene
• forgather
• unite
• concenter
• consolidate
• couple
• club
• ally
• affiliate
• federate
• confederate
• reassemble
• consort
• band (together)
• conjoin
• caucus
• associate
• gang up
• regather
• remeet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disperse
• disband
• split (up)
• depart
• leave
• break up
• take off
• dissociate
• disunite
• disjoin

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of convene are call, cite, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

How are the words call and summon related as synonyms of convene?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When is it sensible to use cite instead of convene?

The words cite and convene can be used in similar contexts, but cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

Where would convoke be a reasonable alternative to convene?

The meanings of convoke and convene largely overlap; however, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When would muster be a good substitute for convene?

Although the words muster and convene have much in common, 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

In what contexts can summon take the place of convene?

In some situations, the words summon and convene are roughly equivalent. However, summon implies the exercise of authority.

was summoned to answer charges

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of convene

From May 8 to 18, orchestras from around the world will convene in Amsterdam to perform the composer and conductor’s complete orchestral works, marathon-style. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025

Last Friday afternoon, in the lobby of a Marriott in downtown Stamford, Conn., attendees of the 47th American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, the annual confab of word nerds hosted by The Times’s puzzle editor, Will Shortz, joyously convened. —Melissa Kirsch, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025

The Senate will convene at 3 p.m. The president at 11 a.m. in the East Room will host the Los Angeles Dodgers, the 2024 World Series champions. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025

In March, a panel was convened at the University of São Paulo’s law school to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of Brazil’s restoration of democracy. —Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025