convene

verb

kən-ˈvēn How to pronounce convene (audio)
Definition of convenenext
1
as in to summon
to bring together in assembly by or as if by command convened the members of the council for an emergency session

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to gather
to come together into one body or place the conventioneers convened in the auditorium to hear the guest speaker

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of convene are call, cite, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

How are the words call and summon related as synonyms of convene?

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When is it sensible to use cite instead of convene?

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

cited for drunken driving

Where would convoke be a reasonable alternative to convene?

The meanings of convoke and convene largely overlap; however, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When would muster be a good substitute for convene?

Although the words muster and convene 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

In what contexts can summon take the place of convene?

In some situations, the words summon and convene are roughly equivalent. 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 convene He was initially cleared by an independent tribunal convened by the ITIA, but after an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Sinner and WADA’s legal teams reached a case resolution agreement. —Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Our City Council demanded answers — convening oversight hearings and seeking truth for our workers and our residents. —Zac Blanchard, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2025 The needs assessment initiative is convened by the Western Idaho Community Health Collaborative. —Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 27 Apr. 2025 According to Reuters, Trump on Tuesday convened a Situation Room meeting with top national security officials to discuss Iran's nuclear program ahead of the talks. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for convene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for convene
  1. summon
  2. gather
  3. muster
  4. meet
  5. call
  6. converge
  7. assemble
  8. rendezvous
Verb
  • Around 250 cardinals were summoned to Italy for business, including the pope’s funeral and chief among their duties — electing the 267th head of the church.
    — Michael Loria, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Dance Mom is summoned over Ava’s objections to the stage.
    — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Definition of summon
Verb
  • In a video posted online, Jakes is seen pausing during his hour-long sermon, before shaking suddenly as other church members gathered around him, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting.
    — Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • When Ayyub was a child, a group of men gathered every morning for prayer and martial arts in a field down the street from her home.
    — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of gather
Verb
  • Golden State opened the final quarter down two points, having mustered enough resilience to remain within striking distance of a Rockets squad playing like the No. 2 seed.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki's shot was the only shot Montreal's top forward trio would muster on the night at 5-on-5 against the Capitals.
    — Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Definition of muster
Verb
  • Randy Haight – at the time a young patrol officer who was at the crime scene — met his partner at the hospital.
    — Erin Moriarty, Liza Finley, CBS News, 4 May 2025
  • McPeek first met Keith at the races over 20 years ago in Louisiana.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
Definition of meet
Verb
  • Congress might also call on President Biden to ban TikTok under the IEEPA.
    — Emily Baker-White, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Kia customers can also call customer care at 1-800-333-4542 or check out owners.kia.com/us/en/kia-owner-portal.html.
    — Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
Definition of call
Verb
  • In Episode 11, the shifting timelines finally converge as the night of the gala comes into clear focus.
    — Claire Franken, TVLine, 2 May 2025
  • The College of Cardinals — including 108 Cardinals appointed by Francis and 10 Americans — are set to converge on May 7 for the election process.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 2 May 2025
Definition of converge
Verb
  • Comments One of the most thrilling heists in film history required one of the starriest casts ever assembled.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 May 2025
  • And as of last week, automakers assembling cars in the United States will be able to offset part of the parts tariff, at least temporarily.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Definition of assemble
Verb
  • The Shenzhou 20 spacecraft is scheduled to rendezvous and dock at the Tiangong space station around 6.5 hours after launch.
    — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • On February 28, it is set to look even more glamorous, as everyone who’s anyone in French film will rendezvous here to celebrate the César Awards, France’s equivalent of the Oscars.
    — Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of rendezvous

Browse Nearby Words

convalescing
convene
convened
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Cite this Entry

“Convene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/convene. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

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