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Synonyms

convene

American  
[kuhn-veen] / kənˈvin /

verb (used without object)

convened, convening
  1. to come together or assemble, usually for some public purpose.

    Synonyms:
    gather, collect, meet, congregate

verb (used with object)

convened, convening
  1. to cause to assemble; convoke.

  2. to summon to appear, as before a judicial officer.

convene British  
/ kənˈviːn /

verb

  1. to gather, call together, or summon, esp for a formal meeting

  2. (tr) to order to appear before a court of law, judge, tribunal, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • convenable adjective
  • convenably adverb
  • convener noun
  • convenor noun
  • reconvene verb
  • unconvenable adjective
  • unconvened adjective
  • unconvening adjective

Etymology

Origin of convene

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin convenīre to come together, equivalent to con- con- + venīre to come

Explanation

The verb convene is a somewhat formal way of saying "to bring together for the purpose of a meeting." Convene is one of those words that lend an air of formality to a situation. We use it in place of the words "call a meeting" for such situations as government assemblages, court hearings, and conferences. Its meaning can be easily seen in its history — it comes from the Latin con-, which means "together," and the verb venīre, "to come." Imagine, if the syllables had just fit the music, the Beatles song "Come Together," might have been called "Convene."

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Vocabulary lists containing convene

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The bill now awaits passage in the House of Representatives where Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he will convene representatives to decide next steps.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

It’s not clear when the state water board might convene another meeting on the matter.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

"We have to wait for the Assembly of Experts to convene and vote for the new supreme leader, and the one who is elected by them," Araghchi told NBC.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

They are expected to convene again in Geneva after the anniversary of the invasion.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

“We should convene in a week’s time,” she says.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth