cite

verb

ˈsīt How to pronounce cite (audio)
Definition of citenext
1
as in to mention
to give as an example cited several experts' opinions to back up her argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to specify
to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically cited a number of similar instances of people surviving plane crashes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of cite are call, convene, convoke, muster, and summon. While all these words mean "to demand the presence of," cite implies a summoning to court usually to answer a charge.

cited for drunken driving

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

Call may be used less formally for summon.

called the legislature into special session

How are the words convene and convoke related as synonyms of cite?

Convene is somewhat less formal than convoke.

convened the students

When is convoke a more appropriate choice than cite?

In some situations, the words convoke and cite are roughly equivalent. However, convoke implies a summons to assemble for deliberative or legislative purposes.

convoked a Vatican council

When would muster be a good substitute for cite?

The synonyms muster and cite are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 cite?

The words summon and cite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 cite Picketing workers cited low pay, unclear paid time off policies and an inadequate working environment as top concerns. — Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 Denmark and Sweden both closed their criminal investigations into the explosions in 2024, with Sweden citing a lack of jurisdiction and Denmark saying there were not sufficient grounds to pursue the case. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Previously, the Department of Interior has cited concerns about the impact turbine blades can have on military radar in its efforts to halt offshore wind development. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026 More than half of respondents cited the high cost of obtaining certifications and meeting compliance standards as a major hurdle. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cite
  1. mention
  2. specify
  3. quote
  4. notice
  5. note
  6. indicate
Verb
  • In a statement announcing her departure, which will take full effect next year, Amanpour did not mention the corporate takeover but urged her colleagues at CNN to keep up their work.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Police department leaked login FLHSMV did not mention ShinyHunters in its announcement and did not answer NBC Miami’s questions about the dark web post.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of mention
Verb
  • The memo does not specify how the restrictions would apply to prediction market platforms.
    — Jessica Golden,Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • However, the latest contract announcement does not specify which features are being developed for this customer.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of specify
Verb
  • Sung also touched on sustainability issues when asked by an audience member, who quoted figures on AI technology’s use of water resources.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Rwanda looks set to host the continent’s first F1 Grand Prix race in more than 30 years, beating rival South Africa to the honor, according to sources quoted by AFP.
    — Damian Zane, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of quote
Verb
  • Be intentional about noticing autumn and Halloween displays on lawns and porches, which seem as popular as ever this year.
    — Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • They are focused on inspecting what is known as the Taraia Object, a visual anomaly that has been visible in aerial photos dating back to 1938 but was first noticed in satellite imagery in 2020.
    — Lana Zak, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of notice
Verb
  • Xuan’s attorney, Mitchell Krems, previously noted his client had never been convicted of a crime.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • But the agents deny that claim in the lawsuit, noting that that they were fired without any investigation, notice or hearing.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of note
Verb
  • But California Institute of Technology neuroscientist Ian Anderson, who studies social media habits, says automatic behaviors can also just indicate an ingrained habit.
    — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Pastries containing squash for which there is a poster indicating a shelf life of two days under refrigeration, were for sale and at room temperature without time-mark indicators to be discarded.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of indicate

Browse Nearby Words

citations
cite
cited
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cite. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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