CONVENE Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

convene

verb

kən-ˈvēn

Definition of convene

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 convene In April, Espinal convened an unprecedented City Hall meeting that brought major studio and production heads in the same room with relevant city agencies. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 June 2026 In Australia, one prominent book retailer has convened a month of in-person and online lectures themed around the text, which is set to culminate in a screening of Nolan’s film at a Melbourne cinema. — David MacK, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 Kehoe, for example, recently convened a forum promoting the industry’s growth and his administration has pursued large-scale data center projects, including in Kansas City. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 Following the Declaration of Independence, the Constitutional Convention convened in 1787 in Philadelphia. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for convene

Recent Examples of Synonyms for convene

Verb

Could one of the greatest competitors in sports history summon enough of the old Serena to make this more than a ceremonial comeback?

— Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Nearly everyone knows the Boston Tea Party; many can summon at least a hazy memory of the Stamp Act or the Townshend duties.

— Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of summon

Verb

Once the excitement had died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed his cheek.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
He was surrounded by beige pleather armchairs gathered around low tables adorned with silk flowers.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of gather

Verb

Some became stockmen, learning to ride settlers’ horses and using their deep knowledge of the land to muster cattle on horseback across vast landscapes.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
England could muster only 150-4, with Nat Sciver-Brunt struggling to an unbeaten 58, before Australia coasted home, opener Beth Mooney leading the charge with 64 off 49 balls.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of muster

Verb

The company, which calls itself the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant company in the world, also added chicken nuggets to its menu on Thursday, July 2.

— Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Mauney, widely seen as the best rider of his generation and someone who braved the hardest bulls to ride, had to retire in 2023 after a neck break on a bull called Arctic Assassin.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of call

Verb

The reality is that everyone is excited at the announcement, but then the real struggle is getting people to converge on standards and rules.

— Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
By Monday evening, the wildfires had converged into one and consumed 15,888 acres with no containment, according to San Juan Incident Management Team Eight, which is leading the fire response.

— Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 30 June 2026

Definition of converge

Verb

The other took place before the fifth inning when home-plate umpire Scott Barry left the game and Manny Gonzalez needed time to assemble his gear.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
From residents racing to assemble exhibits on short notice to disputes over displays and sponsorships, the booths highlight the lengths volunteers have gone to ensure their states are represented at the celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

— Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of assemble

Verb

Hayabusa2 launched in December 2014 and rendezvoused with the asteroid Ryugu four years later.

— Andrew Jones, Space.com, 28 June 2026
The company’s robotic servicing spacecraft, called LINK, is designed to rendezvous with Swift, capture it, and raise it to a safer orbit.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Definition of rendezvous

Browse Nearby Words

convalescing

convene

convened

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“Convene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convene. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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