cite

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of cite are call, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How do call and summon relate to one another, in the sense of cite?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

How are the words convene and convoke related as synonyms of cite?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When is convoke a more appropriate choice than cite?

In some situations, the words convoke and cite are roughly equivalent. However, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When would muster be a good substitute for cite?

The synonyms muster and cite are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When can summon be used instead of cite?

The words summon and cite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 cite For instance, some employers implementing DEI policies related to LGBTQIA+ rights have faced lawsuits and pushback from employees or customers citing conflicting religious beliefs. London Business School, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Just two Republican senators — Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — voted against advancing Hegseth’s nomination; Democrats are still seeking to persuade others to join them for the final vote, citing accusations about his conduct. Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 Cuba was included in the blacklist as one of the last policy decisions made by the Trump administration in 2020, citing Cuba’s harboring of Colombian terrorists and Americans fleeing justice. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025 Neither federal case went to trial, as Trump was ultimately able to delay both of them until after the election, and Smith dismissed the cases after Trump’s victory, citing the Justice Department’s policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. Alison Durkee, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cite 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
Verb
  • Denver Nuggets tied to potential Zach LaVine trade Zach LaVine’s name is sure to be mentioned repeatedly between now and the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
  • But what the letter failed to mention is that benefits are also capped as part of the Social Security formula.
    Letters to the editor, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The city’s current law only specifies dog, cat or rabbit.
    Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Rogerson and Barden said the insurance company deemed the truck too far gone and paid out a claim, but the pair did not specify the amount.
    Graeme Taskerud, The Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Media reports in the U.S. quoted Pentagon officials as saying Mexico also denied landing permission to a deportation flight late last week.
    Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
  • In the book, Beach quotes Billboard touring editor Dave Brooks, who cites a handful of clubs nationwide that have survived as long as Toad’s Place, like the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, N.J.; First Avenue in Minneapolis; the Troubadour in West Hollywood; and the Iron Horse in Northampton, Mass.
    Thom Duffy, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Allergies acting up: Homeowners who are sensitive to dust, pollen, or animal hair may notice their allergies acting up before anything else.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Andy Murray Retired Tennis star Andy Murray has also claimed to have noticed an uptick of posts from Musk appearing on his X feed.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Maher, who expressed support for Gaetz's denial, noted that if there had been evidence, the Justice Department would have acted.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Social media users noted the similarities between the two men, with people insisting that Franco portray the 26-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate in whatever future show or movie was produced about his alleged crime.
    Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Some studies indicate that smoke’s contaminants can effectively bypass the skin barrier altogether.
    Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • In San Diego, a 2023 report indicated that the majority of people in county jails had previously experienced homelessness.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near cite

Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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