SUMMON Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'summon' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of summon are call , cite , convene , convoke , and muster . While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," summon implies the exercise of authority. // was summoned to answer charges

Q: How are the words 'call' and 'summon' related?

Call may be used less formally for summon . // called the legislature into special session

Q: When can 'cite' be used instead of 'summon'?

In some situations, the words cite and summon are roughly equivalent. However, cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge. // cited for drunken driving

Q: How do 'convene' and 'convoke' relate to one another, in the sense of 'summon'?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke . // convened the students

Q: When is 'convoke' a more appropriate choice than 'summon'?

The words convoke and summon can be used in similar contexts, but convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes. // convoked a Vatican council

Q: When might 'muster' be a better fit than 'summon'?

Although the words muster and summon 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

summon

verb

ˈsə-mən

Definition of summon next

as in to call

to demand or request the presence or service of without explanation, the managing editor summoned me to his office

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to gather

to call into being through the use of one's inner resources or powers managed to summon a bright smile despite the gloomy day

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to muster

to bring together in assembly by or as if by command summoned a special session of parliament

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of summon are call, cite, convene, convoke, and muster. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," summon implies the exercise of authority.

was summoned to answer charges

How are the words call and summon related?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When can cite be used instead of summon?

In some situations, the words cite and summon are roughly equivalent. However, cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How do convene and convoke relate to one another, in the sense of summon?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When is convoke a more appropriate choice than summon?

The words convoke and summon can be used in similar contexts, but convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When might muster be a better fit than summon?

Although the words muster and summon 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

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 summon Republicans and Democrats alike condemned the violence and Mr. Trump’s role in summoning an angry crowd to Washington. —

Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability published its own broadside, and after summoning the Big Three’s leaders to testify, committee leadership accused them of lying (and threatened them with jail time). —

Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2025 Following the incident, FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell was summoned to testify in Congress while an audit started in December led by DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari. —

Filip Timotija, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025 And yes, mashing the pedal to the firewall will summon the whole powertrain’s fury in a pinch … but that defeats the purpose of trying to go green. —

Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for summon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for summon

Verb

Those in need of shelter from the cold can call 211 to check availability of beds.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2023
Their children’s schoolmates call the sisters the Puffling Queens.

— Cheryl Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2023