subpoena 1 of 2

noun

sə-ˈpē-nə How to pronounce subpoena (audio)
Definition of subpoenanext
as in summons
a written notice ordering a person to appear in court received a subpoena to appear as a witness for the prosecution

Synonyms & Similar Words

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subpoena

2 of 2

verb

as in to cite

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 subpoena
Noun
Federal agents have sent administrative subpoenas to email and social media platforms to find out the identities of people who have posted about ICE anonymously. — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 1 July 2026 In that case, the city issued 22 subpoenas to financial and social media companies seeking information regarding the two instructors and their associates, according to court documents. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
Tiger Woods’ legal team is fighting prosecutors’ efforts to subpoena the golfer’s prescription records following his DUI rollover crash in Florida last month. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026 Garcia has also accused the committee’s GOP leadership of holding roundtables rather than formal hearings to cut off members’ ability to make motions to subpoena additional witnesses. — Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for subpoena
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subpoena
  1. summons
  2. cite
  3. summon
  4. request
  5. convene
  6. call out
  7. ask
  8. hail
Noun
  • Out of that number, 41 received criminal court summonses and were let go, while 15 were criminally charged and sent to court.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • Offenses like blowing red lights or running stop signs are currently handled via civil summonses.
    — Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Definition of summons
Verb
  • Yet park rangers continued to cite Hubbard under that section, issuing two misdemeanor citations in May 2025, as well as a third that cited a different section of the ordinance, the most recent lawsuit alleges.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • According to Michigan Advance, the measure passed by a 5–4 vote, with several councilmembers and critics citing high costs and privacy concerns during Tuesday’s hearing.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of cite
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
  • If travel or study calls, sketch the first steps and request time to explore them.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • Residents also are requested to limit their consumption to 65 gallons per person per day.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of request
Verb
  • 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
Definition of convene
Verb
  • Thomas and Bonner must call out their experiences to showcase the ugliness out there and, with any luck, prompt a more profound response from the league to the issue of harassment.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • While Gilbert doesn’t call out Chase’s parents by name, the post’s intent is clear.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Definition of call out
Verb
  • When asked about his All-Star nod over the weekend, Joe Ryan focused on his team’s offense and the upcoming schedule instead of himself.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Darnell didn’t have an answer when asked if Acuff, Clifford and Cardwell will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in the final game of the California Classic.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of ask
Verb
  • For decades, Black Americans struggled to hail taxis in many cities.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Take advantage of the streetcar system, rent a bike, hail a pedicab, or hop in a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Definition of hail

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subpoena
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Cite this Entry

“Subpoena.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subpoena. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subpoena

Nglish: Translation of subpoena for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subpoena

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