subpoena 1 of 2

noun

sə-ˈpē-nə How to pronounce subpoena (audio)
Definition of subpoenanext
as in summons
a written notice ordering a person to appear in court received a subpoena to appear as a witness for the prosecution

Synonyms & Similar Words

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subpoena

2 of 2

verb

as in to cite

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 subpoena
Noun
The commission and its inspectors general would have full independent statutory subpoena power to compel documents and testimony during investigations, an independent budget and independent authority to release reports after finding wrongdoing. — Collin Corbett, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Both Delaware Life and Clear Spring received grand jury subpoenas in February in connection with the probes, Delaware Life said in the regulatory filing. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
Congressional oversight relies on the ability to subpoena documents and testimony. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 9 June 2026 This phenomenon, which could control the box office and resale platforms, led the New York and New Jersey attorneys general to subpoena FIFA in late May. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for subpoena
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subpoena
  1. summons
  2. cite
  3. summon
  4. request
  5. call up
  6. convene
  7. call out
  8. ask
Noun
  • Arrests, summonses, and citations have increased by 72% when compared to 2025, but calls for service have decreased by 6% compared to 2025.
    — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • If a cyclist ignores a moving violation summons and gets stopped again while cycling, there’s nothing the NYPD can do other than issue more moving violation summonses that will be ignored and go unpaid.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of summons
Verb
  • The outlet reported last week that Hugging Face has been working with a bank to evaluate bidders' interest in the startup, citing people familiar with the matter.
    — April Roach, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers describe the solvent system as green and recyclable, citing sulfolane’s low volatility, thermal stability and ability to be reused.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cite
Verb
  • Roy Clark could show up at Felix and Oscar’s New York apartment in The Odd Couple to demonstrate his virtuoso pickin’ skills and be summoned to Burbank to sub in for Johnny Carson as a guest host of The Tonight Show.
    — David Kamp, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Reliever Jason Foley allowed the Reds to load the bases on three singles, prompting Tingler to summon Ryan Walker.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of summon
Verb
  • Sustained gunfire began past midnight at the premises of the Diori Hamani International Airport, which hosts a major military base, according to an AP witness who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The group requested agreements among MPEA, arena operator Oak View Group, the Chicago Sky and the WNBA.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of request
Verb
  • From there, enter 26-131 in the proceedings window/box (which is the first one shown on the page) and that should automatically call up the case of the early renewal filings for Disney’s ABC stations.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
  • Joey Meneses had an RBI single in his Athletics debut after being called up from the minors before the game.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 June 2026
Definition of call up
Verb
  • On stage, Semafor will convene leaders from across these sectors to explore practical strategies for strengthening resilience, supporting families and educators, improving digital literacy, and expanding access to mental health resources.
    — Semafor Events, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Mapping out time took further root in October 1884 during the International Meridian Conference held in Washington, DC, which convened 25 different nations to create a global standard for keeping track of time.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of convene
Verb
  • For the future of our party, Democrats have to call out his hate and condemn these dangerous views.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The first step toward holding these corporations responsible is to call out what their products are actually doing.
    — Alex Hartman, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of call out
Verb
  • However, the Raiders will be asking a lot of Eichenberg and Lindenberg if either starter goes down.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to contact the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4330.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of ask

Browse Nearby Words

subplots
subpoena
subpoenaed
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Cite this Entry

“Subpoena.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subpoena. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subpoena

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subpoena

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