summon

verb

ˈsə-mən How to pronounce summon (audio)
Definition of summonnext
1
as in to call
to demand or request the presence or service of without explanation, the managing editor summoned me to his office

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to gather
to call into being through the use of one's inner resources or powers managed to summon a bright smile despite the gloomy day

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to muster
to bring together in assembly by or as if by command summoned a special session of parliament

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of summon are call, cite, convene, convoke, and muster. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," summon implies the exercise of authority.

was summoned to answer charges

How are the words call and summon related?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When can cite be used instead of summon?

In some situations, the words cite and summon are roughly equivalent. However, cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How do convene and convoke relate to one another, in the sense of summon?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When is convoke a more appropriate choice than summon?

The words convoke and summon can be used in similar contexts, but convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When might muster be a better fit than summon?

Although the words muster and summon have much in common, 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

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 summon The ministry later confirmed on X that the Russian charge d‘affaires was summoned in protest of the airspace violation. —Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025 Consider that longtime broadcaster Brent Musburger got summoned to the ESPN offices for referring to an over/under during a college football game, and now game breaks are littered with ads from FanDuel and DraftKings, and the network has its own sportsbook, ESPNBet. —Dana O'Neil, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 Tapped as the sixth man in the opener, being summoned off the bench before anyone else, Sexton sparkled in his Hornets’debut. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025 The Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned the Russian charge d’affaires to protest the airspace violation. —Alexander Smith, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for summon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for summon
  1. call
  2. gather
  3. muster
  4. ask
  5. convene
  6. invite
  7. assemble
Verb
  • After getting to the ring to call for an opponent, fans received a surprise.
    — Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While reflecting on her first performance, Furtado remembered buying the pink dress from a store called Original on Queen West in Toronto, and also picking up some sparkly platform shoes for the monumental moment.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of call
Verb
  • One of them said that the freshmen class should gather at the YMCA building at midnight to practice yells before the game against Texas on the following day.
    — Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Accompanying the film screenings around the world, cinema foyers carried installations and themed message walls, and also offered dancefloors and gathering spaces for BTS fans to come together.
    — Sara Merican, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of gather
Verb
  • From onboard drink packages to muster drills, there’s a lot for cruise newbies to take in.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Quarterback Geno Smith was highly ineffective, passing for just 67 yards on 10 completions, while the Vegas run game mustered just 25 yards on 11 carries.
    — Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Definition of muster
Verb
  • When asked whether the store will be back next year, Simonson said the company will evaluate changes to the property as needed.
    — Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • During his first Zoom consultation with clients, Perri always asked them to share their story.
    — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of ask
Verb
  • Grand juries are routinely convened in federal districts to hear evidence in a range of criminal matters.
    — Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • To that end, the WTO has convened a group of nearly 70 members to negotiate a landmark e‑commerce agreement — the first of its kind — with a first phase expected by the March 2026 ministerial conference.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of convene
Verb
  • This multi-day gathering invites spiritual leaders, renowned scholars and creative thinkers from around the world to engage in a thoughtful and insightful dialogue on pressing social issues.
    — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Way Day Decor Deals With Thanksgiving around the corner, now is an ideal time to add an inviting autumnal wreath to your home, especially while there are a variety of options on sale during Way Day.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of invite
Verb
  • Ninety-eight of those flights have been devoted to building out the Starlink megaconstellation, by far the largest satellite network ever assembled.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • All the parts were there, just waiting to be assembled.
    — Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of assemble

Browse Nearby Words

summits
summon
summoned
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Cite this Entry

“Summon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/summon. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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