marshal 1 of 2

variants also marshall

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
The Fire Hazard Severity Zones are determined by the state fire marshal based on an area’s physical characteristics like slope, vegetation, winds and weather. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 8 July 2025 The two state agencies would also be required to request an inspection from the state fire marshal or a local government. Jayme Lozano Carver, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
By 2010, Woodcock had marshalled the center into a powerhouse with great independence — in many ways, outside the reach of the political whims of the commissioners who came and went. Debbie Cenziper, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 In the weeks since his disappearance, Moore’s family, friends and advocates have marshaled search parties, passed out flyers, fanned out across the city and called for a more urgent response from Sacramento police and city leaders. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for marshal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for marshal
Verb
  • Pocan has in recent weeks crossed congressional lines into Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District to hold town hall events and last week, organized an event in Van Orden's hometown of Prairie du Chien.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • That breakthrough was thanks to Kathy Shank, a volunteer clerk who helped file and organize tips related to the investigation.
    Kelsey Lentz, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • With Brian Cashman accompanying the Yankees to St. Louis, the Bombers beat the Cardinals, 4-3, on Friday night.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Her grandfather, Jim Coleman, and uncle, Jacob, accompany her on guitar and mandolin.
    Frank Langfitt, NPR, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Interested buyers, their representatives or brokers can arrange for special tours.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
  • As a fixer, Miguel has arranged interviews with El Mayo’s inner circle.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • According to the victim and witnesses, Gibbon was in the swimming pool with his 33-year-old daughter-in-law when the pair started arguing about his grandchildren, said the sheriff’s office.
    Jack Guy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Towers, a former sheriff’s deputy who has sought public office previously, won 2,473 votes.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In addition, Brown draws on Black traditions of culture and collectivism to mobilize communities.
    Essence, Essence, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Even the European Union, which bent over backward to offer concessions — pledging to somehow mobilize billions for American weapons, investments and gas purchases, despite having a highly questionable capacity for doing so — wasn’t submissive enough.
    Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Real Madrid and Liverpool legend Steve ‘Macca’ McManaman will lead the commentary team alongside former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Stewart Robson.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Nineteen-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike Jr. and Stellar Award winner Jason Nelson lead the field of nominees this year with nine nominations each, with both landing top nominations in the key categories Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Consumers are urged to dispose of the toy and contact TEMI Toys for a full refund.
    Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • De Wet claims Olivier then ordered him to dispose of their bodies in a pigsty — an act prosecutors believe was meant to destroy evidence.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This included reports of de facto Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice inspectors instructing health clinics, shops, markets, government offices and taxi drivers to deny services to women not accompanied by a mahram.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • As a result, products that might be deemed in violation by one inspector might pass muster by another.
    Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Marshal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marshal. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on marshal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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