order 1 of 2

1
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
6
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

order

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to request
to give a request or demand for the players ordered hamburgers for lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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
That order was put on hold during the EPA’s appeal. Michael Phillis, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025 In a brief order, the Supreme Court declined to take up the case. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 23 June 2025
Verb
In 2023, Bank of America also was ordered to pay a $12 million penalty for filing false mortgage reports for at least four years. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2025 But the appeals court found that Cox was guilty of willful contributory infringement and ordered a new damages trial. ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • Researchers have genomically analyzed three specimens to date, but in each case, poor DNA preservation resulted in only partial sequences.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
  • The goal capped a pass sequence that showcased the patient buildup Smith sought versus the Orlando defense.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • So one Kansas City organization is stepping up with solutions.
    Ramal Nasim Updated July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
  • Others have gone on to news organizations near and far.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The 10 other individual athletes who have received the medal include Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Jack Nicklaus and Billie Jean King.
    Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
  • For his service in Little Rock, Davies was awarded the Legion of Merit medal.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • When selecting a sprinkler, look for one with a coverage pattern that most closely matches the area to be irrigated (the shape and size of the space the sprinkler covers should be listed on the package).
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • Wreath in shape of football jerseys are displayed at the entrance of the cemetery after the funeral ceremony of Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on July 5, 2025.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • The first is do not send or accept wire instructions by email.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
  • Some sirens can broadcast specific instructions, which can help.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • College art classes didn’t work out, and when his mother died unexpectedly, there were the Marines.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Miami brings in a whole new roster made up of a top-20 recruiting class and transfers including Tre Donaldson (Michigan), Malik Reneau (Indiana), Ernest Udeh Jr. (TCU), Tru Washington (New Mexico), Jordyn Kee (Georgia) and Marcus Allen (Missouri).
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Horowitz spent decades arranging for Sondheim’s archives to come to the Library of Congress.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025
  • The controversy comes at a time the United States is trying to arrange a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Hoyos, 20, requested that applicants create a final product that was engaging, cohesive and matched her specific style.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
  • By postgame Friday, Correa felt good enough to request to play in Saturday’s afternoon game, but Twins trainers declined.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 12 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on order

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!