as in hierarchy
a scheme of rank or order
their team placed third on the tournament ladder
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 ladder
That ménage à trois has earned them further entry into an even more elite world, which appeals to both of their desires to move up the social ladder.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
For pre-retirees evaluating approaches like bond ladders, bucket strategies, or annuities, this framework is a reminder that no single product or asset class is a silver bullet.
—Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Lewis risked much in trying to help those who had a tough start in life up the ladder.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
As Walker worked his way up the Rockies’ ladder, his dad often sat back, observed, and asked around about how his son was doing.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ladder
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
For pre-retirees evaluating approaches like bond ladders, bucket strategies, or annuities, this framework is a reminder that no single product or asset class is a silver bullet.
—Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Lewis risked much in trying to help those who had a tough start in life up the ladder.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
As Walker worked his way up the Rockies’ ladder, his dad often sat back, observed, and asked around about how his son was doing.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ladder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ladder
Noun
-
The hierarchy at the BayArena are set to replace Kasper Hjulmand at the end of the season.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Even in private family moments, hierarchy never fully disappears.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Best Places to Raise a Family ranking provides a comprehensive assessment of key factors that are meaningful for families, according to Niche.—
Chuck Fieldman,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Out of the country's top 100 biggest cities, Pittsburgh requires a comparatively lower salary, ranking 77th.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Even minor changes in clouds, wind or storms can force delays, especially for a mission of this scale.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Meanwhile, on grander scales, older stars across the Universe run out of fuel and die, new episodes of star-formation are triggered, and the Universe continues to expand, driving individual galaxies, groups of galaxies, and clusters of galaxies mutually apart, faster and faster, as time goes on.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ladder. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
