GATHER Synonyms: 194 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'gather' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gather are assemble , collect , and congregate . While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state. // a crowd quickly gathered

Q: Where would 'assemble' be a reasonable alternative to 'gather'?

Although the words assemble and gather have much in common, assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose. // experts assembled for a conference

Q: When is 'collect' a more appropriate choice than 'gather'?

The words collect and gather can be used in similar contexts, but collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement. // collected books on gardening

Q: When could 'congregate' be used to replace 'gather'?

In some situations, the words congregate and gather are roughly equivalent. However, congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle. // congregating under a shelter

gather

verb

ˈga-t͟hər

Definition of gather next

as in to collect

to bring together in one body or place he gathered the leftovers from the table and gave them to the dog let's gather the students and have them line up on the playground before going in from recess

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to harvest

to catch or collect (a crop or natural resource) for human use late summer is when we gather the tomatoes and begin canning them for the winter

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to converge

to come together into one body or place a crowd gathered around the street musician ask the faculty to gather in the lounge for the meeting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to derive

to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information I gather that, since you are back so early, she didn't want to see you?

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as in to accumulate

to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass the newspapers that had been allowed to gather on the front doorstep told thieves that the family was away on vacation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to gain

to gradually increase in the movement gathered force as election day neared

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as in to summon

to call into being through the use of one's inner resources or powers gathered the strength to finish the marathon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb gather differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gather are assemble, collect, and congregate. While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

Where would assemble be a reasonable alternative to gather?

Although the words assemble and gather have much in common, assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

When is collect a more appropriate choice than gather?

The words collect and gather can be used in similar contexts, but collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

When could congregate be used to replace gather?

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

congregating under a shelter

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 gather What To Know Several online videos show supporters gathering outside the Central Detention Facility in Washington D.C. on Monday evening. —

Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 The remaining Housewives then gathered in Jenna's room, where Brynn retold her story. —

Esther Kang, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025 After a rocky 2024 for legacy companies, there will be a bright spotlight on Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Global and other media majors, with tech CEOs also under scrutiny after gathering en masse for President Donald Trump’s inauguration. —

Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025 Residents gathered around the intersection, frustrated there were no details about when they would be let in. —

Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for gather

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gather

Verb

As researchers pore over the vast trove of data collected during the mission, the SIRIUS-23 crew now faces a more personal challenge: re-adjusting to life on Earth.

— Anastasia Stepanova, Space.com, 2 Feb. 2025
The notification is meant to put the astronomical community on alert to collect as much information as possible on the near-Earth object (NEO) in question.

— Scott Neuman, NPR, 2 Feb. 2025