echelons

noun

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 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 When Barack Obama won the presidency in 2008, the new first lady could have easily summoned a design from fashion’s upper echelons for her inaugural gown. — Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 The buzz has reached further into the inner echelons of the music world, too. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 10 June 2026 Their proof would become the signature result of Tao’s early career, contributing to his winning the Fields Medal in 2006, and propelling him to the upper echelons of mathematics. — Quanta Magazine, 8 June 2026 Cruelty and ruthlessness are deemed just, not only in the highest echelons of politics but also trickling down to daily life. — Literary Hub, 21 May 2026 There’s often a great deal of hype (some deserved, some not) and vendor promises about transformation and new echelons of efficiency. — Eddy Azad, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for echelons
  1. levels
  2. ranks
  3. positions
  4. places
  5. rankings
Noun
  • Wind shear describes the changes in wind direction or speed between different levels of the atmosphere.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • In women, high testosterone levels can lead to the condition PMOS, or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, previously referred to as PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome.
    — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of levels
Noun
  • After spells at Le Havre, ASPTT Marseille and Nationals of Cavigal, RB Leipzig pounced last summer to sign him from the amateur ranks of French football.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Layoffs are expected to continue throughout the day, with the most significant cuts being made among the ranks of behind-the-scenes staffers.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of ranks
Noun
  • Pushing up, squeezing play and trying to regain the ball in advanced positions is a perfectly viable and often successful strategy, particularly when treated as a useful add-on to quality in possession.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Previously, exempt level positions were to be posted no fewer than 10 business days, which has now been removed from the policy.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
Definition of positions
Noun
  • On his posts online, Americans have responded with tons of recommendations for places to visit and where to eat, and some have even invited him over for a homecooked meal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • Many places sell Taylor Farms produce, including Publix, Whole Foods, Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más, The Fresh Market, Walmart, Target, Sprouts Farmers Market and Dollar General, according to Taylor Farms’ website.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Definition of places
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
Definition of rankings

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echelon
echelons
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Cite this Entry

“Echelons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/echelons. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on echelons

Nglish: Translation of echelons for Spanish Speakers

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