as in creating
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)
we should be prepared for the possibility that any solution may invoke another set of problems
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of invoking
The exhibition title references Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush, invoking long-standing American ideals of persistence, ambition, and progress.
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Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Jan. 2026
The president has made a crackdown on crime in cities a centerpiece of his second term — and has toyed with the idea of invoking the Insurrection Act to stop his opponents from using the courts to block his plans.
—Michelle L. Price, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2026
The president has made a crackdown on crime in cities a centerpiece of his second term -- and has toyed with the idea of invoking the Insurrection Act to stop his opponents from using the courts to block his plans.
—Arkansas Online, 1 Jan. 2026
One group showed that nonbiological gases, including propyne, could reproduce the same spectral features without invoking life, while another concluded that the JWST signal was too noisy or too weak to draw definitive conclusions.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Newsom, who has faced stiff criticism this year for ceding political ground on trans athletes’ rights, has a history of invoking Reagan’s legacy to reinforce his own bipartisan bona fides.
—Samantha Riedel, Them., 17 Dec. 2025
The material’s sense of heritage isn’t only about personal histories, but about invoking design history too.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Dec. 2025
Both votes will technically be on invoking cloture on motions to proceed to the legislation and will require 60 votes to succeed.
—December 11, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
No business leader could talk about the future without invoking the impact of this technological revolution.
—Sam Jacobs, Time, 11 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invoking
Verb
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Iwobi’s movement drags Ladislav Krejci wider, increasing the space between the lines and creating a clear passing angle for Calvin Bassey.—
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They’re combined with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic down alternative filling, creating a plush and luxurious sleeping experience that’s designed for back, side, and stomach sleepers.—
Verb
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Jail records show Gatica faces charges of DUI causing death or bodily injury and hit-and-run causing death or bodily injury.—
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The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS.—
Verb
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For most fans, bringing home a souvenir from a live sporting event is one of the most exciting things to experience.—
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Also popular are small-batch brews with members of a home brew club or another small group bringing their own recipe, brewing it on site and participating in a tapping event to showcase their creation.—
Verb
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Researchers revealed that the high-voltage output facilitates the neutralization and collection of dust and moisture by generating negative ions.—
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Zari Taylor, a digital culture fellow at New York University, describes vagueposting as using extremely ambiguous language for the sake of click bait or generating controversy.—
Verb
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That included training local activists to respond independently to moments that resonated in their community and hold protests without needing prompting from national groups.—
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Her social media posts hyping Cincinnati and under-the-radar cities last summer went viral with over 1 million views on Instagram and Tiktok, prompting thousands of comments shouting out other secondary cities worth a visit.—
Verb
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Upon doing some research for more formal choices to match the nickname, the mom came across Margaret, which had a connection to her husband's grandmother.—
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No New Yorker should have to fear losing access to health care -- and no nurse should be asked to accept less pay, fewer benefits or less dignity for doing lifesaving work.—
Verb
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Yet the show, centered on the murder of Laura Palmer, became a surprise sensation — lasting two seasons, spawning a prequel movie, and returning two decades later for a revival season.—
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These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.—
Verb
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Achane handled 12 first half carries, producing 64 rushing yards.—
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Idemitsu is constructing a large-scale facility capable of producing 1,000 metric tons of lithium sulfide annually, with a target of mass production by 2027.—
Cite this Entry
“Invoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invoking. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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