marshal 1 of 2

variants also marshall
Definition of marshalnext

marshal

2 of 2

noun

variants also marshall

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb marshal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of marshal are arrange, methodize, order, organize, and systematize. While all these words mean "to put persons or things into their proper places in relation to each other," marshal suggests gathering and arranging in preparation for a particular operation or effective use.

marshaling the facts for argument

When is it sensible to use arrange instead of marshal?

The synonyms arrange and marshal are sometimes interchangeable, but arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment.

arranged the files numerically

When would methodize be a good substitute for marshal?

Although the words methodize and marshal have much in common, methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme.

methodizes every aspect of daily living

When is order a more appropriate choice than marshal?

In some situations, the words order and marshal are roughly equivalent. However, order suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion.

ordered her business affairs

When can organize be used instead of marshal?

While in some cases nearly identical to marshal, organize implies arranging so that the whole aggregate works as a unit with each element having a proper function.

organized the volunteers into teams

When could systematize be used to replace marshal?

The meanings of systematize and marshal largely overlap; however, systematize implies arranging according to a predetermined scheme.

systematized billing procedures

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 marshal
Verb
Warnock marshals an enormous amount of information to describe the impact of these issues and to underscore the need to address them. Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026 Homan has threatened to marshal those forces to surge operations in New York City and other sanctuary jurisdictions, where immigrants generally face lower risk of arrest and deportation. Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
Noun
Residents filled the council meeting, with the overflow attendees directed to other areas of the building after officials said the room had reached its fire marshal capacity. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 There were so many residents at the meeting, the fire marshal told some people to clear the aisles and the back of the room for safety reasons. Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for marshal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for marshal
Verb
  • The answer is to not passively accept what is given but to organize to make our voices heard.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But rather than invent a market, ride hailing companies only help to organize the existing pools of drivers — with the right incentives — and connect them to willing but price-sensitive passengers.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The 44-year-old has steered them from relegation trouble to a second Champions League qualification in three seasons with an attractive style of play.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • As the parents and children approached the school, first grader Hayden Raupe steered his black, blue and green bike past a line of cars stretching around the corner.
    Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The case turned into a years-long legal saga, with multiple people convicted of their roles in arranging the hit, including Wendi’s brother, Charlie Adelson, and her mother, Donna.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Britain’s populist Reform UK said two senior aides to leader Nigel Farage stepped down on Friday after an undercover investigation alleged the party had broken electoral law by arranging for a foreign donor to pay for political polling.
    NBC news, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In 2020, a sheriff’s deputy shot trade school student Andres Guardado, 18, in the back several times, killing him.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • During the investigation, Washington and her family pointed out videos and photos of Brown’s social media accounts that depicted a baby that looked like their newborn, the sheriff’s office said.
    Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wrote about working with Steinem to mobilize young voters, making public appearances at interviews and award ceremonies.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Additionally, almost 21,500 security personnel have been mobilized in attempts to speed up the search and rescue operations, with over 5,000 people receiving treatment for injuries, officials said.
    Anna Bourke, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • When the Sox were at Camden Yards in April, Tracy had to be guided to the manager’s office.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Look at how competitors communicate their value, answer customer questions, appear in search, structure digital journeys and guide prospects toward conversion.
    James Fratzke, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The department does not classify its calls by snake type, the spokesperson said.
    Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The petition sought to classify data centers as industrial nuisances, arguing that a ban would protect residents’ property and preserve city resources, such as water and electricity.
    Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As part of the inquiry, the mayor of Kenscoff and the police inspector in charge of the sprawling mountaintop rural district have been summoned for questioning.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Since the area is currently under the jurisdiction of the BLM, an inspector from the federal government could technically come to Eagle and render the land in the Foothills unsafe for public use.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Marshal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marshal. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on marshal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster