Synonyms of summons

summons 1 of 2

noun

ˈsə-mənz 

as in warrant

a written notice ordering a person to appear in court

if you ignore a court summons, you will be fined

Synonyms & Similar Words

• warrant
• subpoena
• writ
• process
• ticket
• capias

summons

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of summon

1

as in calls

to demand or request the presence or service of

without explanation, the managing editor summoned me to his office

Synonyms & Similar Words

• calls
• invites
• asks
• hails
• requests
• sends for
• orders
• cites
• invokes
• subpoenas
• beckons
• rings
• convenes
• assembles
• calls out
• demands
• bids
• calls up
• convokes
• musters
• commands
• pages
• whistles
• buzzes
• requisitions
• knells

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sends (away)
• dismisses
• turns away
• boots (out)
• banishes
• casts out
• ejects
• expels
• outs
• runs off
• kicks out
• throws out
• ousts
• routs
• drums (out)
• turfs (out)

2

as in gathers

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

• gathers
• conjures (up)
• elicits
• evokes
• gets up
• raises
• educes

3

as in musters

to bring together in assembly by or as if by command

summoned a special session of parliament

Synonyms & Similar Words

• musters
• calls
• assembles
• convenes
• convokes
• gathers
• rallies
• calls out
• collects
• calls up
• calls in
• groups
• amasses
• reassembles
• reconvenes
• rounds up
• knells

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dissolves
• breaks up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of summons

Noun

Goodman, the deputy commissioner, said the New York Department of Sanitation has issued about 6,000 summonses so far this year for dirty sidewalks, though those violations cover all types of litter. —Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026

The department started issuing warnings for noncompliant buildings last April but was only sending summonses to those that had more than 30 apartments and exceeded four warnings. —Clio Chang, Curbed, 21 Jan. 2026

Verb

But for 35 years Heat fans have stood up and made plenty of noise when Baiamonte summons them. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026

After several moments of hesitation, Rosie finally summons the courage to cross the threshold and walk through the doorway. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026