organize

verb

or·​ga·​nize ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz How to pronounce organize (audio)
organized; organizing
Synonyms of organize

transitive verb

1
: to form into a coherent unity or functioning whole : integrate
trying to organize her thoughts
2
a
: to set up an administrative structure for
organize a company to manufacture his invention
b
: to persuade to associate in an organization
especially : unionize
organize the white-collar workers
3
: to arrange by systematic planning and united effort
organize a tour of the campus for the new students
4
: to cause to develop an organic structure

intransitive verb

1
: to undergo physical or organic organization
a clot organized in the femoral vein
2
: to arrange elements into a whole of interdependent parts
began organizing for a victory celebration
3
: to form an organization
specifically : to form or persuade workers to join a union
workers had the right to organize
organizable
ˌȯr-gə-ˈnī-zə-bəl How to pronounce organize (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of organize

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Choose the Right Synonym for organize

order, arrange, marshal, organize, systematize, methodize mean to put persons or things into their proper places in relation to each other.

order suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion.

ordered her business affairs

arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment.

arranged the files numerically

marshal suggests gathering and arranging in preparation for a particular operation or effective use.

marshaling the facts for argument

organize implies arranging so that the whole aggregate works as a unit with each element having a proper function.

organized the volunteers into teams

systematize implies arranging according to a predetermined scheme.

systematized billing procedures

methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme.

methodizes every aspect of daily living

Examples of organize in a Sentence

They hired a professional to help organize their wedding. We are organizing a fund-raiser. His office is a mess. He needs someone to help him organize his work. I spent some time organizing my closet last weekend. You need to learn to organize better. She organized people to work for social justice. The players were organized into separate teams. He encouraged them to organize for social justice. The company has tried to prevent the workers from organizing.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The director of the 2028 iteration of the Aichi Triennale, one of the largest international art festivals in Japan, will be Shabbir Hussain Mustafa, the event’s organizing committee announced on Friday. — News Desk, Artforum, 24 July 2026 The shutdown also came after what the Clean Clothes Campaign described as a long-running dispute between factory management and workers over the right to organize and delayed wage payments. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 24 July 2026 The coalition, formed by JD Hopper of Ballantyne, did not initiate the first protest but has helped organize community members who oppose the Morrison YMCA sale. — Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026 Scientists are only just beginning to get to grips with how smell is organized in the brain and body. — Hannah Docter-Loeb, Scientific American, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for organize

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of organize was in the 15th century

Rhymes for organize

See All Rhymes for organize

Browse Nearby Words

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
organize
organized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Organize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organize. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

organize

verb
or·​ga·​nize ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz How to pronounce organize (audio)
organized; organizing
1
: to make separate parts into one united whole : form or form into an organization
2
: to put into order : systematize
organize your work
organizer noun

Medical Definition

organize

verb
or·​ga·​nize
variants also British organise
ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz How to pronounce organize (audio)
organized also British organised; organizing also British organising

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause to develop an organic structure
b
: to cause to undergo organization
an organized blood clot
2
: to arrange or form into a coherent unit or functioning whole

intransitive verb

: to undergo organization
an organizing pneumonitis

Legal Definition

organize

verb
or·​ga·​nize
organized; organizing

transitive verb

1
a
: to set up an administrative structure for
b
: to persuade to associate in an organization (as a union)
2
: to arrange by systematic planning and united effort
organize a strike

intransitive verb

: to form an organization
especially : to form or persuade workers to join a union

More from Merriam-Webster on organize

Nglish: Translation of organize for Spanish Speakers

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