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Definition of ordernext
1
as in sequence
the way objects in space or events in time are arranged or follow one another you always keep your books in perfect alphabetical order we haven't found out the order of the speeches yet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in type
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common collects movie posters, photographs and autographs of the stars, and other memorabilia of that order

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in medal
a piece of metal given in honor of a special event, a person, or an achievement a book with full-color illustrations of British orders and decorations

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
6
7
as in class
one of the segments of society into which people are grouped the lower orders were once expected to be content living out their lives as servants to the upper classes

Synonyms & Similar Words

8
1
2
as in to request
to give a request or demand for the players ordered hamburgers for lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to ask
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the teacher ordered that everyone sit down immediately and be quiet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb order contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of order are arrange, marshal, methodize, organize, and systematize. While all these words mean "to put persons or things into their proper places in relation to each other," order suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion.

ordered her business affairs

Where would arrange be a reasonable alternative to order?

The words arrange and order are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment.

arranged the files numerically

When can marshal be used instead of order?

The meanings of marshal and order largely overlap; however, marshal suggests gathering and arranging in preparation for a particular operation or effective use.

marshaling the facts for argument

When would methodize be a good substitute for order?

While in some cases nearly identical to order, methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme.

methodizes every aspect of daily living

When might organize be a better fit than order?

In some situations, the words organize and order are roughly equivalent. However, organize implies arranging so that the whole aggregate works as a unit with each element having a proper function.

organized the volunteers into teams

In what contexts can systematize take the place of order?

The synonyms systematize and order are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 order
Noun
Prime Video will also give the Emmys a chance to reach an international audience in a way that wasn’t possible under the old order. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026 Scaling missile production Increasing JATM deliveries will require more than additional orders. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
On Wednesday, a Baltimore judge ordered the city to restore the inspector general’s access to records and turn over documents her office has sought since 2025. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 18 Sep. 2026 Take it from this reviewer, who ordered multiple styles in search of the best one. — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • One of the most notable moments — and the scene apparently being filmed — was a sequence of shots showing the three bandmembers running away from swarps of adoring fans.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The serial numbers on those documents appeared to align with the sequence of the Blast files, forming a consistent chronological progression.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Sports organizations invest hundreds of millions of dollars in recruiting children, Buckland says.
    — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026
  • What capabilities could transfer beyond my current role, organization or industry?
    — Angela C. Hill, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Allegheny Health Network put its emergency trauma center network to the test Thursday with a first-of-its-kind mock river rescue exercise for the network at Allegheny General Hospital.
    — Jessica Riley, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • At a quantum level, though, these reductions are happening in jumps, and Safavi-Naeini’s team measured them in real time, a first-of-its-kind achievement.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Both the American Horticultural Society and the Garden Club of America have recognized Godshalk with national medals.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In July, Grunis reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin that his troops had captured the town of Kostiantynivka and he was later awarded the Hero of Russia medal.
    — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • During the recent session, Soto taught people how to make coils for teardrop designs along with other simple shapes.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Younger consumers are also gravitating toward personalization and distinctive engagement-ring designs, including oval and marquise shapes.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Orders can be equivocal, statements ambiguous, instructions murky.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Studies have used everything from intensive classroom instruction to short daily sessions with language-learning apps, over periods ranging from weeks to months, to see whether language learning can improve cognitive function.
    — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Hornets roster includes 73 new players from last season and a new head coach in Alonzo Carter, who knew this season would present a steep climb up in class.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The proposal would also require some parents of foreign students to attend Italian language classes, part of Meloni’s push to make newcomers embrace national culture, rules and gender norms.
    — Maria Grazia Murru, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • So far, Meta’s famously poor privacy track record in social media has not prevented it from taking the lead in the nascent smart glasses category.
    — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Related Articles The move comes after Christie’s spent years assessing the appetite for the category, most recently with the blockbuster sale of the collection of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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