invoke

/ɪnˈvoʊk/verb

To appeal to someone or something, such as a deity or an authority, for support or guidance.

Example sentences

“The lawyer invoked an earlier court ruling to support her argument.”
“Before the voyage, the sailors invoked the gods for calm seas.”

You invoke rules, rights, and higher powers; you 'evoke' memories and feelings. The two are often swapped in error.

Featured as word of the day on August 23, 2026.

Synonyms for invoke

appeal to
call on
cite

Often confused with invoke

invoke vs evoke: evoke (verb): To bring out a feeling, memory, or response; to call something forth.

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary, Advanced English words.

Related words

irascibleQuick to lose one's temper; easily made angry.irateFilled with intense anger; furious.irkTo annoy or mildly anger someone.irresoluteUnable to make up one's mind; hesitant about what to do.inundateTo flood a place with water, or to overwhelm someone or something with a huge amount.jadedTired, bored, or no longer excited because you have had too much of something.