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Definition of callnext
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as in to dial
to make a telephone call to use this cell phone to call me if there's an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

12

call

2 of 2

noun

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
This technique, called color drenching, came along with the resurgence of cozy, English interiors and ultra-dark paint colors. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026 Police later determined that Belinda's time of death was around an hour before David called 911. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
If the woman didn’t say the right thing to qualify as a mesh plaintiff, the operator would sometimes coach her about the right answer before transferring the call to 1000 Corporate Drive where Vince’s stateside smile-and-dial telemarketers took over. Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026 Officials in the North Star State have continued to echo each other’s calls for immigration officials to cooperate with local law enforcement and leave – which has prompted biting rhetoric in return from federal officials. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call
Verb
  • Davis stood up and shouted at referee Jeffrey Anderson.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The post even shouted out Moore, who was absent.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Chef Alejandro Crespo has created a menu that dials up traditional tapas.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Attempts to dial landlines and mobile phones from Dubai to Iran could not be connected.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While visiting her parents in Boston, Wells spent time with a close family friend who owns an apartment in Paris.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • However, Demirel opened the game scoring eight unanswered points to give the visiting Antelopes an early 8-0 lead.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That band faces a similar situation as Mariachi Joya Azteca, with at least two major events canceled in 2025.
    Juan Cordoba, Arkansas Online, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The Anker 737 Power Bank keeps multiple devices running and charging, from your phone to your noise-canceling headphones, without weighing down your bag.
    Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • If that sounds hyperbolic, consider that Independence offensive coordinator Marlon Barnett has compared Resar to former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who was the 14th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Since the two pieces are such versatile staples, consider this your sign to add similar dress pants and pumps to your own wardrobe.
    Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The 45-year-old's work at the CBS Evening News desk was even criticized by fellow TV personality Megyn Kelly, who relentlessly mocked Dokoupil for crying during a CBS News Miami clip that saw him being interviewed by a local broadcaster and subsequently crying over memories of his childhood.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Jane and Darlene have both cried on the runway recently.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The ministry has also summoned X officials to discuss the matter.
    Reuters, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026
  • With Donna’s Banishment seeming almost a forgone conclusion, Cumming summoned the players back to a special morning edition of the Roundtable to just get the inevitable out of the way.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Barring drastic cuts to spending or bringing in additional revenue, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates the deficit could be as high as $18 billion this year and $35 billion in future years.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Idaho’s Office of Performance Evaluations, an independent oversight agency, estimated in a report released last year that the gap between what school districts spend to educate students with disabilities and what the state provides is more than $80 million.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on call

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