call 1 of 2

1
2
as in to dial
to make a telephone call to use this cell phone to call me if there's an emergency

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3
4
5
as in to consider
to think of in a particular way I wouldn't quite call that cheating, but it's not entirely ethical either

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6
as in to cry
to utter one's distinctive animal sound the dog called whenever it flushed a quail

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7
as in to summon
to bring together in assembly by or as if by command called all the night workers in for a meeting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

8
as in to estimate
to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement let's call that five feet for now, and we'll measure it out later

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9
10
11
as in to order
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the union president is refusing to call a strike

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12

call

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in visit
a coming to see another briefly for social or business reasons we paid a call on the new neighbors the day after they moved in

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3
as in message
a communication by telephone give me a call as soon as you arrive, so I'll know you got there safely

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4
5
as in right
an entitlement to something you have no call to insult people

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6
7
as in demand
the state of being sought after especially for purchase there's not much call for woodstoves in this part of the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of call are cite, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

When can cite be used instead of call?

The words cite and call are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 call?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

Where would convoke be a reasonable alternative to call?

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

convoked a Vatican council

When is muster a more appropriate choice than call?

In some situations, the words muster and call are roughly equivalent. However, 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 call?

Although the words summon and call have much in common, 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 call
Verb
Anyone who would like to get connected to treatment, or knows someone who does, can call 1-800-563-4086 or visit connectgnh.org at any day or time. Hartford Courant, 14 Feb. 2023 Breakouts might call for the Salicylic + Green Tea Exfoliating Cleanser and Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream, whereas dry skin might crave a boost of moisture from the Hyaluronic + Arnica Hydrating Serum. Lisa Desantis, Allure, 14 Feb. 2023
Noun
But French did not heed the calls, and several MAGA media personalities and politicians expressed their support for him. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025 Vidal-Duart did not return a phone call from the Herald/Times on Monday. Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call
Verb
  • Because real branding isn’t about turning heads at the Met Gala or chasing clicks or shouting the loudest in the room.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The chief example of rudeness here is shouting admonishments at other opera patrons.
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Your intuition is dialed in right now, and your creativity is magnetic.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Beyond dialing 911 and seeking medical attention, Starkey and the National Park Service recommended taking these actions in the aftermath of a rattler strike: Stop moving the limb where the bite occurred to limit the spread of the venom.
    Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Texas Governor Greg Abbott has since visited Camp Mystic, declaring a state of emergency and pledging continued support for search and rescue operations.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 July 2025
  • For more information about Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee Career Solutions Centers, donation and retail stores and more, visit giveit2goodwill.org or call 1-800-545-9231.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Twenty-four flights have been canceled at DIA as of 4:30 p.m. A ground delay has been issued at DIA from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 8 July 2025
  • On June 18, the Princess of Wales canceled her appearance at Royal Ascot at the last minute.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • The children considered missing as of Saturday were attending an all-girls Christian summer camp known as Camp Mystic.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Studio execs cry that more ads contribute to a less-than premium experience at the movies.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 July 2025
  • Towards the end of his 10-minute presentation, Thompson suddenly became overwhelmed with emotion and, after a brief pause, began to cry.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Initially, DeSales University professor Marie Bolger had also been summoned to court, but her name was removed from a later filing.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • Surprisingly, the Front Man summons Gi-hun and offers him a proposition.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • In 1988, the value of the 48-piece set was estimated at $500,000.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025
  • Her bags are kept behind glass and her collection includes what's called a Himalayan diamond Birkin, which is estimated to be worth as much as $500,000.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/call. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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