echelon

noun

ˈe-shə-ˌlän How to pronounce echelon (audio)
Definition of echelonnext
as in level
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement jobs in the upper echelons of the company pay quite well indeed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 echelon Senior safety Jamel Johnson, TCU’s only preseason All-Big 12 selection, explained what the defense needs to do to enter the upper echelon of the Big 12. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026 Epstein has a long record in the upper echelons of conservative legal circles. — Austin Horn june 30, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 The film catapulted Sara and her costars — Matthew Broderick, Alan Tuck, and Jennifer Grey — to new echelons of fame. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026 But twists of fate instead sent him on a path full of political highs and lows that included the upper echelons of law and business. — Mary Ramsey updated June 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for echelon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for echelon
  1. level
  2. ranking
  3. rank
  4. position
  5. place
Noun
  • Emory University’s Salamova, who studies indoor exposure, found levels of QACs in dust in daycare and assisted living care facilities to be about three times higher than in residential homes.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Corporate executives and small business owners can reduce their stress levels by setting up an economic dashboard of data to monitor, and then ignoring most other news and commentary.
    — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of level
Noun
  • Only a few Drake songs have controlled the ranking for longer stretches, and even those champions do not lead by much.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • This year’s style ranking also included British track and field athlete Temi Ojroa, Bridgerton actress Hannah Dodd and Salma Hayek’s daughter Valentina Pinault.
    — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Definition of ranking
Noun
  • Luria served as a naval officer for two decades, rising to the rank of commander.
    — Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
  • His rise up the ranks eventually brought him into conflict with Geonyoung, a prosecutor who refused to be bought off.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of rank
Noun
  • The Braves have secured consecutive home wins and maintained their strong position atop the National League East as the trade deadline approaches Monday.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • While their ranks were restored, they were not put directly back in their previous positions in the Criminal Investigations Division.
    — Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of position
Noun
  • The Lobby Lounge is a great place for a quiet moment with a coffee, craft cocktail, or glass of Malbec.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • One study from early in the pandemic found that hospitalization rates fell in places where local leaders required mask use.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of place

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Echelon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/echelon. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on echelon

Nglish: Translation of echelon for Spanish Speakers

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