ˈhī-(ə-)ˌrär-kē
as in ladder
a scheme of rank or order
honesty sits at the top of my hierarchy of values
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 hierarchy
There are a lot of levels to Critical Role’s hierarchy.
—
James Grebey, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2025
Yet many executive teams still operate as if that hierarchy is wisdom itself.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
After proving his fitness to McClaren, Antonio will aim to do the same to West Ham’s hierarchy — or other potential suitors.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 11 June 2025
Lasry spoke about how success is a combination of chemistry and talent, particularly in basketball, where there’s a hierarchy for who will have the ball in their hands at the most important moments.
—Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hierarchy
James Grebey, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2025
Yet many executive teams still operate as if that hierarchy is wisdom itself.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
After proving his fitness to McClaren, Antonio will aim to do the same to West Ham’s hierarchy — or other potential suitors.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 11 June 2025
Lasry spoke about how success is a combination of chemistry and talent, particularly in basketball, where there’s a hierarchy for who will have the ball in their hands at the most important moments.
—Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hierarchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hierarchy
Noun
-
The officer immediately sprang into action, borrowing a ladder from nearby.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
-
There are two lofts in the Avalon V2, both of which are reached by a removable ladder or optional staircase.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
Michigan’s class began the day at No. 39 in the composite rankings but has started to pick up steam, particularly on the defensive line.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
24 June 2025
-
Here is what is new at the 2025 BMW Championship: Because only the top 50 golfers in the FedEx Cup rankings will participate in the championship, there is no cut, which ensures that the entire field – barring a withdrawal – will stick around until Sunday’s final round.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
Given the size of the club — and scale of the role — rookie operators are unlikely to get far, with Mitchell’s replacement required to have an immediate effect.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
-
In a concerted hostile action, Moscow could cut or destroy these cables at scale.—
Thomas Wright,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hierarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hierarchy. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share