COLLECT Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of collect are assemble , congregate , and gather . While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement. // collected books on gardening

Q: When can 'assemble' be used instead of 'collect'?

The synonyms assemble and collect are sometimes interchangeable, but assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose. // experts assembled for a conference

Q: Where would 'congregate' be a reasonable alternative to 'collect'?

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

Q: When might 'gather' be a better fit than 'collect'?

Although the words gather and collect have much in common, gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state. // a crowd quickly gathered

collect 1 of 2

verb

kə-ˈlekt

Definition of collect next

as in to contain

to gain emotional or mental control of applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to accumulate

to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass dust has been collecting under my bed for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to compile

to bring together from several sources into a single volume or list collected the author's early short stories, which were originally published in several obscure sci-fi magazines

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to gather

to bring together in one body or place she collects antique silverware

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to meet

to come together into one body or place a crowd collected at the beach as the sun slowly set over the horizon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

collect

2 of 2

noun

as in invocation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb collect differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of collect are assemble, congregate, and gather. While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

When can assemble be used instead of collect?

The synonyms assemble and collect are sometimes interchangeable, but assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

Where would congregate be a reasonable alternative to collect?

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

congregating under a shelter

When might gather be a better fit than collect?

Although the words gather and collect have much in common, gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

Examples 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 collect

Verb

Butterflies collected from the eastern Mediterranean, right in the beginning of the population spike, were carrying pollen from plant species found primarily in semi-arid shrublands, grasslands and salt marshes of northern Arabia and the Middle East. —

Saugat Bolakhe, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024 The Catalans have collected three points from their first four group matches, while their domestic form has been solid, currently positioned in seventh in La Liga's. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Noun

The nodules themselves form over millions of years when metals suspended in seawater collect around assorted fragments of material on the seabed. —

Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 July 2024 This visceral fat collects between abdominal organs such as the spleen, stomach, and liver, and can predispose you to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. —

Laurie Saloman, Verywell Health, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for collect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for collect

Verb

Larger starter kits frequently contain parts for related projects, and buying one can often be easier than compiling an extensive shopping list.

Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
The mines are contained in a $275 million package of new military assistance announced by the Biden administration Wednesday.

Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Nov. 2024