GATHER Synonyms: 194 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of gather are assemble , collect , and congregate . While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state. // a crowd quickly gathered

Q: Where would 'assemble' be a reasonable alternative to 'gather'?

Although the words assemble and gather have much in common, assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose. // experts assembled for a conference

Q: When is 'collect' a more appropriate choice than 'gather'?

The words collect and gather can be used in similar contexts, but collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement. // collected books on gardening

Q: When could 'congregate' be used to replace 'gather'?

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

gather

verb

ˈga-t͟hər

Definition of gather next

as in to collect

to bring together in one body or place he gathered the leftovers from the table and gave them to the dog let's gather the students and have them line up on the playground before going in from recess

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to harvest

to catch or collect (a crop or natural resource) for human use late summer is when we gather the tomatoes and begin canning them for the winter

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to converge

to come together into one body or place a crowd gathered around the street musician ask the faculty to gather in the lounge for the meeting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to derive

to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information I gather that, since you are back so early, she didn't want to see you?

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to accumulate

to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass the newspapers that had been allowed to gather on the front doorstep told thieves that the family was away on vacation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to gain

to gradually increase in the movement gathered force as election day neared

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as in to summon

to call into being through the use of one's inner resources or powers gathered the strength to finish the marathon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb gather differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gather are assemble, collect, and congregate. While all these words mean "to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit," gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

Where would assemble be a reasonable alternative to gather?

Although the words assemble and gather have much in common, assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

When is collect a more appropriate choice than gather?

The words collect and gather can be used in similar contexts, but collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

When could congregate be used to replace gather?

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

congregating under a shelter

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 gather This means involving the right people, gathering feedback, and addressing concerns early and often. —

Ebony D. Thomas, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 The information gathered was compelling enough for the detectives to secure a series of search warrants through Jackson and Clay counties. —

Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025 The oldest ice ever extracted from Antarctica was gathered in 2017 and dates back 2.7 million years. —

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025 Several political leaders, family, and admirers had gathered at the Cathedral this morning in Washington to celebrate the former President’s life and legacy. —

Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for gather

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gather

Verb

Eureka Recycling will continue to collect recycling for single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes and fourplex residential properties.

Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2025
As the water vapor rises, the salt is left behind, ensuring that only purified water is collected.

Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 9 Jan. 2025