order 1 of 2

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

Relevance

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

order

2 of 2

verb

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
The Peacock network has so far ordered six pilots in 2026 – five dramas and one comedy – with sources indicating more orders are on the way. Joe Otterson, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026 Supply orders stalled in approval chains. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
The General Assembly and Lamont ordered in 2023 the state’s first income tax rate reduction since the mid-1990s, which has returned about $300 per year to middle-class households. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026 At one point, he was boxed in again, and officers ordered him out with guns drawn. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • The dramatic sequence unfolded Wednesday afternoon near Notre Dame Avenue and West Julian Street, in the shadow of Highway 87, and drew widespread attention after videos circulated showing the suspect on the ground and being struck by a trailing police vehicle as gunshots rang out.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The ticket has to be submitted before the opening leg of the sequence begins.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • As financial roles evolve, organizations increasingly need professionals capable of interpreting data, modeling complex scenarios, and communicating insights that support decision-making.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Inzunza Noriega is accused of being one of three top leaders of the Beltrán Leyva organization, which prosecutors say is a violent faction of the Sinaloa cartel.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Throughout her career, Jones has earned five medals during International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation competitions.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The Wisconsin native has competed in one other Olympics (Beijing 2022) but is looking for his first medal.
    Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In Hemlock, my protagonist Sam takes on this shape even more.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Experts say keeping your vehicle in good shape can make all the difference.
    Terell Bailey, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • With a strong foundation of trust, CHWs help people understand medical instructions, keep appointments and address social stressors.
    Maggie Dante, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
  • One standout lesson taught younger students to think like engineers by writing clear, detailed instructions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Do not be afraid of the language of class warfare — the rich versus the poor, the oligarchs versus the citizens, the capitalists versus the proletariat.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Elsewhere, however, there are top class options such as Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck at Borussia Dortmund.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Schnell said his department routinely communicates with ICE in the weeks before an incarcerated person's release to arrange handoffs if a detainer is in place.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Hassan Shafeeu, our Essentialist (Patina’s answer to private butlers), is available around-the-clock via WhatsApp to arrange dinner reservations, drop off snorkeling kits, and share the best spots for baby shark sightings.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • And Smith fervently denied that there was any political influence behind his decision -- contrary to allegations of Republicans on the Judiciary Committee, who requested the testimony -- such as pressure from then-President Joe Biden or then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, the transcripts shows.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Acting president during crisis Han’s lengthy sentence came as a surprise as the independent counsel earlier requested a 15-year prison term.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on order

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!