Cite — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈsīt/

Meaning & Definition of Cite

Cite (verb)

  1. to call upon officially or authoritatively to appear (as before a court)
  2. to quote by way of example, authority, or proof
  3. to refer to; especially, to mention formally in commendation or praise

Cite (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give as an example

    "cited several experts' opinions to back up her argument"

    similar: adduce, instance, mention, quote
    related: exemplify, represent, advert (to), illustrate, name, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon), bear out, corroborate, document, substantiate, validate, reference, source

  2. to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically

    "cited a number of similar instances of people surviving plane crashes"

    similar: advert (to), drop, instance, mention, name, note, notice, quote, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon)
    related: allude (to), hint (at), imply, indicate, infer, intend, intimate, suggest, point (out), signal, signify, denominate, designate, bring up, broach, interject, interpolate, interpose, introduce, infiltrate, insinuate, worm, advertise, announce, broadcast, declare, proclaim, pronounce, publicize, publish, sound, clarify, clear (up), elucidate, explain, explicate, spell out
    near: disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cite

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cite:

adduce, instance, mention, quote, advert (to), drop, name, note, notice, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon)

Related Words for Cite

exemplify, represent, illustrate, bear out, corroborate, document, substantiate, validate, reference, source, allude (to), hint (at), imply, indicate, infer, intend, intimate, suggest, point (out), signal, signify, denominate, designate, bring up, broach, interject, interpolate, interpose, introduce, infiltrate

Near Antonyms of Cite

disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight

Word Forms of Cite

Inflections: cited, citing

Derived words: citable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Cite

Middle English, from Anglo-French citer to cite, summon, from Latin citare to put in motion, rouse, summon, from frequentative of ciēre to stir, move -kinesis

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Cite

Frequently Asked Questions about Cite

What does "Cite" mean?

"Cite" means to call upon officially or authoritatively to appear (as before a court). As a verb, it is defined as: to call upon officially or authoritatively to appear (as before a court). It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Cite"?

Other words for "Cite" include adduce, instance, mention, quote, advert (to), drop, name and note. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cite" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cite"?

There are 59 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cite". Common alternatives include adduce, instance, mention, quote, advert (to), drop, name, note, notice and refer (to).

How do you use "Cite" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cite" in a sentence: "cited several experts' opinions to back up her argument"; "cited a number of similar instances of people surviving plane crashes".

Is "Cite" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cite" is a verb.

Is "Cite" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Cite" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Cite"?

"Cite" is pronounced /ˈsīt/.

What is the origin of the word "Cite"?

"Cite" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French citer to cite, summon, from Latin citare to put in motion, rouse, summon, from frequentative of ciēre to stir, move -kinesis. First known use: 15th century.