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

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 collect

Verb

Read more Trump family channels American royalty: Body language experts' verdicts Full list of January 6 prisoners released by Trump Trump to launch executive order blitz on first full day: Live updates Can Trump's External Revenue Service collect money from foreign nations? —

Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 Battelle, now Doc’s CEO, has programmed onstage events for over 30 years, and though Shlain’s career is medicine, his true vocation appears to be collecting people—a pastime that no doubt benefits Private Medical’s members, who can access pre-eminent specialists thanks to his extensive network. —

Grace Huckins, Robb Report, 20 Jan. 2025

Noun

The partially-underground, 16.5 mile-long stretch of concrete tunnel collects and diverts water away from people and property during storms, particularly during the monsoon. —

Jack Armstrong, The Arizona Republic, 17 Aug. 2024 The temperature trend data that the ring collects are plugged into the app’s algorithm to calculate whether a user is probably fertile. —

Sarah Sloat, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for collect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for collect

Verb

The Eaton Fire, which also broke out on Jan. 7 in Pasadena and Altadena, was 95% contained on Sunday after burning more than 14,000 acres, destroying more than 9,400 structures and killing 17 people.

— Daniel Amarante, ABC News, 26 Jan. 2025
Which team’s pass rush bothers or contains the other QB more effectively might tip this result.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025