echelons

plural of echelon
as in levels
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 echelons Hegseth’s unprecedented intervention in the meritocratic promotion process has dramatically altered the military’s upper echelons. — Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026 The schism would go on to shape the future of journalism from the newsletter economy all the way up to the highest echelons of Hollywood and television news after Weiss was appointed editor in chief of CBS News last year. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026 Some Palestinian citizens have reached the highest echelons of business and politics in Israel. — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026 China’s leadership doubled down on an anti-corruption drive that analysts say has variously sought to purge the top echelons of the Communist Party over graft and consolidate Xi Jinping’s power. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Research from the Diamond diversity monitor has revealed the scale of the UK TV industry’s working class problem, and found that the problem infects both the upper and lower echelons of the sector. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026 In London, Yeats tried to keep Crowley out of the upper echelons of Golden Dawn, but Mathers, who had served as a mentor to Crowley and who was based in Paris by then, was willing to initiate him into the inner order, the documentary said. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 The three-part documentary follows the brothers’ rise from their privileged youth in Miami to reaching the highest echelons of high-end real estate, first at Douglas Elliman and then at their own brokerage, called Official. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 Even within the highest echelons of wealth concentration, these two groups are on different trajectories. — Markus Schneider, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for echelons
Noun
  • Bone loading boosted its circulating levels, while injections of the protein reduced several signs of aging and improved cognitive and physical performance in older mice.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That allows for absolute black levels and very strong contrast.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • For all the apocalyptic talk emerging from a midterm that relegated Republicans to their thinnest ranks on Capitol Hill in decades, there’s little agreement on how the party should move forward.
    — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The disparities extend beyond hiring and are exacerbated at higher ranks.
    — Aldrin Rafael Bonilla, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Along with Bottoms, Democrats are projected to win every statewide office on the ballot this year in Georgia, including the positions of lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state.
    — Quinn Scanlan, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • There are plenty of experienced Latino leaders ready to serve in the Cabinet, as chiefs of staff, and in positions shaping budgets and policy.
    — Jose M. Muñoz, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Democrats ousted Republicans from coast to coast, with many surprising places in between, in a decisive rejection of unified GOP control for the promise of something different for the country.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Therapists’ networks like Latinx Therapy and Therapy for Latinx can be places to find a licensed professional that aligns with your needs.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Texas dominated many national rankings in the report as well, with the ZIP code encompassing the Dallas suburb of Crandall ranking second on the list and a more urban Dallas ZIP code ranking 10th.
    — Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Echelons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/echelons. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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