order of magnitude

noun phrase

: a range of magnitude extending from some value to ten times that value
often used figuratively
The two problems are not of the same order of magnitude. [=are not equally important]

Examples of order of magnitude in a Sentence

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.
Sekiyama claims that Spiber is an order of magnitude more expensive in the lab. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026 Today’s massacres, whether one believes the most conservative or liberal casualty estimates, are on an order of magnitude deadlier in every conceivable aspect. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 This is why the external ballistics in ELR shooting is an order of magnitude more complicated than when hunting. John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 15 Jan. 2026 And the new MXene film was not only more flexible than ITO, but also increased brightness by almost an order of magnitude by making the contact between the topmost light-emitting organic layer and the film more efficient. Perri Thaler, IEEE Spectrum, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for order of magnitude

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of order of magnitude was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Order of magnitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/order%20of%20magnitude. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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