muster

[ muhs-ter ]

verb (used with object)

1. to assemble (troops, a ship's crew, etc.), as for battle, display, inspection, orders, or discharge.

   Synonyms: congregate, convene, convoke

   Antonyms: separate, scatter

2. to gather, summon, rouse (often followed by up ):

   He mustered all his courage.

verb (used without object)

1. to assemble for inspection, service, etc., as troops or forces.
2. to come together; collect; assemble; gather.

   Synonyms: congregate, convene

   Antonyms: separate, scatter

noun

1. an assembling of troops or persons for formal inspection or other purposes.

   Synonyms: convention, assembly, gathering

2. an assemblage or collection.
3. the act of mustering.
4. Also called muster roll. (formerly) a list of the persons enrolled in a military or naval unit.

verb phrase

1. to discharge from service in the armed forces:

   He will be mustered out of the army in only two more months.

2. to enlist into service in the armed forces.

muster

/ ˈmʌstə /

verb

1. to call together (numbers of men) for duty, inspection, etc, or (of men) to assemble in this way
2. 1. to enlist into military service
   2. to discharge from military service
3. tr to round up (livestock)
4. trsometimes foll byup to summon or gather

   to muster up courage

   to muster one's arguments

noun

1. an assembly of military personnel for duty, inspection, etc
2. a collection, assembly, or gathering
3. the rounding up of livestock
4. a flock of peacocks
5. pass muster
   to be acceptable

Other Words From

• pre·muster verb (used with object)
• un·mustered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of muster¹

1250–1300; Middle English mostren (v.) < Old French mostrer < Latin mōnstrāre to show, derivative of mōnstrum unnatural event; monster

Word History and Origins

Origin of muster¹

C14: from old French moustrer, from Latin monstrāre to show, from monstrum portent, omen

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. pass muster,
   1. to pass a cursory inspection.
   2. to measure up to a certain standard; be adequate:

      Your grades don't pass muster.

More idioms and phrases containing muster

In addition to the idiom beginning with muster , also see pass muster .

Synonym Study

See gather.

Example Sentences

Her deeply skeptical views of most U.S. foreign policy, including support for Ukraine, sympathy for dictators like Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad in Syria and embrace of various conspiracy theories has earned her many critics who say that she would not pass muster in a Senate confirmation process.

From Salon

“You could play that line with all the darkness and sincerity that you can muster, and it might really strike a chord in the the heart of the audience, or you could put a tiny little spin on it and get a big laugh,” he said, thinking about it for a moment.

From Los Angeles Times

Joshua Karty’s five field goals were all the Rams could muster.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is eager to abet the worst attacks on democracy the right wing can muster.

From Slate

This time, they could not muster the same accuracy and were left with a vastly different feeling from March's joy.

From BBC