order 1 of 2

noun

Definition of ordernext
1
as in sequence
the way objects in space or events in time are arranged or follow one another you always keep your books in perfect alphabetical order we haven't found out the order of the speeches yet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in organization
a group of persons formally joined together for some common interest a religious order

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in type
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common collects movie posters, photographs and autographs of the stars, and other memorabilia of that order

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4
as in medal
a piece of metal given in honor of a special event, a person, or an achievement a book with full-color illustrations of British orders and decorations

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in shape
a state of being or fitness finally got the car back in working order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in instruction
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned the commander issued an order that the number of guards for the prisoner be doubled

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in class
one of the segments of society into which people are grouped the lower orders were once expected to be content living out their lives as servants to the upper classes

Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in category
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic regards draftees as an entirely different order of soldier and less desirable than volunteers

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order

2 of 2

verb

ˈȯr-dər How to pronounce order (audio)
1
as in to arrange
to put into a particular arrangement I've ordered all of my CDs according to type of music he likes to order his life so that there are few surprises

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to request
to give a request or demand for the players ordered hamburgers for lunch

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3
as in to ask
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the teacher ordered that everyone sit down immediately and be quiet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to instruct
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority the police officer ordered the crowd to back away from the suspect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb order contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of order are arrange, marshal, methodize, organize, and systematize. While all these words 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

Where would arrange be a reasonable alternative to order?

The words arrange and order are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment.

arranged the files numerically

When can marshal be used instead of order?

The meanings of marshal and order largely overlap; however, marshal suggests gathering and arranging in preparation for a particular operation or effective use.

marshaling the facts for argument

When would methodize be a good substitute for order?

While in some cases nearly identical to order, methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme.

methodizes every aspect of daily living

When might organize be a better fit than order?

In some situations, the words organize and order are roughly equivalent. However, organize implies arranging so that the whole aggregate works as a unit with each element having a proper function.

organized the volunteers into teams

In what contexts can systematize take the place of order?

The synonyms systematize and order are sometimes interchangeable, but systematize implies arranging according to a predetermined scheme.

systematized billing procedures

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 order
Noun
And special-order items that aren’t already in inventory come at a premium. —Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025 Hundreds of Amazon shoppers took to the review section in order to sing their praises of the Glycerin Stealthfit 21. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
McConnell ordered that the administration use Section 32 funds to make up the difference between the 65% of benefits the administration planned to pay by using the contingency fund and the full value of the benefits. —Dan Mangan, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025 Customers can now order restaurant-quality meals in-store, prepared on demand by the CA-1. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
  1. sequence
  2. organization
  3. medal
  4. shape
  5. instruction
  6. class
  7. arrange
  8. request
Noun
  • Marshall and Flagg linked up in the first quarter for one of the best sequences the Mavericks had all night.
    — Christian Clark, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • In an overly dramatic transformation sequence, Robert’s boss removes the necklace and is bathed in light — only to wind up a few inches shorter and brunette.
    — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of sequence
Noun
  • Thank you Dodger Nation, Blue Jays organization and all baseball fans for your love and support.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Having led a multimillion-dollar organization and mentored thousands of women nationwide, Martine now specializes in guiding high-achieving women to stop over-functioning, reclaim their energy, and lead with clarity and confidence.
    — Maria Williams, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of organization
Noun
  • Matty was a hero in World War II, served in the Pacific theater with the medals of bravery to show for it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • He is allowed to hang on to his Falklands War campaign medal, according to The Guardian and The Telegraph.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of medal
Noun
  • The final shape of Fence was to be determined by whatever land-use permissions were granted to the Christos.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Designed by women, for women, the Trailmix Cargo Pants are lightweight, durable, and stretchy, with an adjustable waistband that actually stays put, and a flattering shape that’s hard to find in women’s hiking gear.
    — Ariana Dickson, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of shape
Noun
  • Most bulbs should be planted pointy side up because the stem and leaves emerge from this end, but check the label for specific instructions.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Instead, customers will have to follow a set of instructions to claim the platform's financial promise.
    — Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • The International Energy Agency turned out to be less resigned to the things that exist and capped this class of emissions at 5 per cent.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • As has so often occurred, the billionaire class has sought to convince those making $30 an hour that their enemies are those earning $20 an hour.
    — TIME Video, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of class
Verb
  • The goal of the program, arranged through the hotel concierge, is to encourage discovery of the soul of an area through bold design, local culture, and meaningful connections.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Insofar as it is left to the invisible hand to arrange these matters, this scenario seems truly unavoidable.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of arrange
Verb
  • In Akita, local authorities requested formal military assistance from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, saying their existing measures – including box traps and bear repellent sprays – weren’t enough.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Customers whose flights are canceled for any reason are able to request a refund without any penalty.
    — Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of request

Phrases Containing order

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ordeals
order
ordered
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Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on order

Nglish: Translation of order for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about order

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