Definition of convokenext
as in to summon
to bring together in assembly by or as if by command convoked the leading experts on juvenile delinquency to study the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of convoke are call, cite, convene, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

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

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

In what contexts can cite take the place of convoke?

The words cite and convoke can be used in similar contexts, but cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

How are the words convene and convoke related?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When would muster be a good substitute for convoke?

While the synonyms muster and convoke are close in meaning, 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 convoke?

The meanings of summon and convoke largely overlap; however, 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 convoke For example, the leader or head of the college is called the dean; one of his duties is to coordinate the conclave that will be convoked in the event a pope dies or resigns. Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025 Eli Wallach convokes The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Armond White, National Review, 16 Aug. 2023 Late Friday, politicians both for and against Morales reached an agreement to send to congress a bill to convoke a new presidential election. Washington Post, 23 Nov. 2019 Maduro has vowed to resolve his nation’s crisis by convoking a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution. Christine Armario, The Seattle Times, 18 May 2017 Maduro has vowed to resolve his nation's crisis by convoking a special assembly to rewrite Venezuela's constitution. Fox News, 18 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convoke
Verb
  • The advantages are tantalizing, particularly for a vehicle that’s going to be summoned on demand.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While speaking to detectives, Murray claimed to have immediately begun CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while calling Jackson's assistant to summon the security team — although it was later revealed that the call went to voicemail.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Gabriel Pec finally scored in the 86th minute, but that was all the visitors could muster in a 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew in an MLS match that started more than two hours late because of thunderstorms that started two hours before kickoff.
    Daily News, Daily News, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The recent struggles were underscored by the fact that Kaprizov only managed to muster up a pair of shots on goal in Game 3 despite logging a whopping 36 minutes, 22 seconds of time on the ice.
    Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Plenty of Sellers’ struggles could be pinned on offensive play calling and a lack of polished talent around him.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The plan, conveyed through mediators in Pakistan to break a stalemate with Washington, calls for extending the ceasefire so the parties can work toward a permanent end to the fighting, Axios said.
    Jon Herskovitz, Bloomberg, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The conference includes 191 treaty parties and convenes every five years to review implementation of the pact aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • On Tuesday, lawmakers convened for a special session to consider the map.
    Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Convoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convoke. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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