order 1 of 2

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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

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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
But MacDonough found that provision also out of order, as well as one that would have prevented undocumented migrants from receiving assistance under the program. Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 23 June 2025 Plus, app orders over $150 automatically ship express—no extra steps needed. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 23 June 2025
Verb
Mahmoud Khalil greeted friends and spoke briefly to reporters Saturday at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey a day after a judge ordered his release from a federal immigration facility in Louisiana. Holly Ramer, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025 The last time a president called in the National Guard without a governor’s cooperation was in 1965, when Lyndon B. Johnson ordered troops to protect civil rights demonstrators in Alabama. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • The full sequence from take-off to crash—final moments of Air India 171 captured on CCTV.
    Hannah Parry Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Later in the demo, Grace returned to the room where the body was shredded, which triggered another chase sequence—this time to a locked gate.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • It was signed by 60 news organizations and press rights groups, including NPR.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 16 June 2025
  • For the Giants to part with Harrison demonstrates the organization’s great faith in their other young starters — Hayden Birdsong and Landen Roupp, along with left-hander Carson Whisenhunt at Triple-A Sacramento.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Emerson captured two medals for the second consecutive year at the state championship.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • After his death, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and posthumously awarded several medals, including the Purple Heart.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • On Instagram, Protect the Mütter declared victory and posted an image of two skeletal hands, their bony fingers pressed together to make a heart shape.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • My curls stayed especially bouncy and held their shape all day, even while running around in humid weather.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Earlier instructions to stop antibiotics were premature, and a longer course was necessary.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • What the data show The crime rate in CMS increased after the COVID-19 pandemic when students returned to in-person instruction.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The area features houses, wooded areas and wetlands, and its inhabitants are mostly working class residents.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025
  • Offer kids safe spaces for expression, such as art classes, digital storytelling, journaling, or DIY projects.
    Dia Gallo, Parents, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Attentive staffers will be on hand for towel drops and spritz refills, as well as to help arrange water sports or beach games.
    Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025
  • Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter has rushed to arrange a commission vote, ratifying it.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Ohtani was not made available to reporters who requested him.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • However, Antetokounmpo has not formally requested a trade, and the Nets lack a contending roster.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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