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 If the Bruins want to compete with the upper echelons of the Big Ten, West needs to build on his success last season. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Is there a category that is above top secret that even those in the highest echelons don’t know about it? — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026 That trio is capable of rounding out an upper-echelon four-man rotation with Bonitto, but only if each takes the next step in his game this fall. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 21 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for echelon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for echelon
  1. level
  2. ranking
  3. rank
  4. position
  5. place
Noun
  • The scrutiny at the club is like no other, the media attention can be smothering and the level expected from fans is so high.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, white men made up a little more than half of Delta Air Lines’ executives, senior-level officials and managers.
    — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of level
Noun
  • And how much of a team’s ranking is based on program history versus the number of returning starters — or perhaps the impact of portal recruits and/or true freshmen?
    — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Their bottom-of-the-barrel ranking in sacks, pressure rate, and interceptions could not sit well with a defense-minded head coach.
    — Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of ranking
Noun
  • The team also traded away Luis Arraez and Heliot Ramos for prospects, further thinning their ranks.
    — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will soon join the ranks of iconic observatories like the Hubble and James Webb telescopes – plumbing the far reaches of the cosmos to answer some of life's greatest mysteries.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of rank
Noun
  • The vessel had switched off its AIS transponder, a marine radio device that broadcasts a ship’s identity, speed, course and position.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Prior to the 10th, the Angels had only one runner in scoring position all night, in the second inning.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of position
Noun
  • Death Valley is an extraordinary place, but its heat, distances, and remoteness can be dangerous, regardless of experience.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Royal Gorge Route Few places capture that blend of history and scenery better than the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
    — Jocelyn Rowley, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of place

Browse Nearby Words

ecclesiastics
echelon
echelons
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Cite this Entry

“Echelon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/echelon. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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