order 1 of 2

noun

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
as in organization
a group of persons formally joined together for some common interest a religious order

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in shape
a state of being or fitness finally got the car back in working order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in instruction
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned the commander issued an order that the number of guards for the prisoner be doubled

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in category
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic regards draftees as an entirely different order of soldier and less desirable than volunteers

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order

2 of 2

verb

ˈȯr-dər How to pronounce order (audio)
1
as in to arrange
to put into a particular arrangement I've ordered all of my CDs according to type of music he likes to order his life so that there are few surprises

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to instruct
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority the police officer ordered the crowd to back away from the suspect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
According to court records, a hearing on the motion for a temporary restraining order could take place next week. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026 The order covers Los Angeles and surrounding counties but exempts ports of entry and checkpoints. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
His devotion ultimately requires him to submit to Rama; this is particularly evident when Rama orders him to abandon Sita. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 Indian regulators ordered Sun Pharmaceutical to stop manufacturing, selling and distributing ophthalmic products made at its Assam facility after finding failure in ​its quality management system, Reuters reported. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
  1. sequence
  2. organization
  3. kind
  4. medal
  5. shape
  6. instruction
  7. class
  8. category
Noun
  • Converting continuous pulsar profiles into simple on/off sequences also discards finer details that could contain useful information.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Related Stories From football camp to visceral, harrowing sequences of war in the Pacific, the story takes audiences through it all, immersing them in the experience.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of sequence
Noun
  • The results grow the organization's presence on Capitol Hill, bringing to Congress a bloc of lawmakers who will now look to translate their electoral success into policy wins that push the Democratic Party further to the left.
    — Elena Moore, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Republicans sought to portray Osborn as a Democrat in disguise, pointing to his support from Democratic donors and organizations.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of organization
Noun
  • The first phase of the $560 million Medley at Johns Creek project opens Thursday, a first-of-its-kind project for the North Atlanta suburb that will anchor its new downtown.
    — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The plane flies non-stop from the capital directly to Puerto Williams in four hours flat—the only direct commercial flight of its kind.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of kind
Noun
  • Kim Jong Il appointed him to senior trade and economic posts, and in 2002 the state awarded him a Hero of Labor medal and a Kim Il Sung watch, prestigious honors and a recognition of his loyalty and patriotism.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Two years later, the Panamanian government awarded him a medal for his baseball achievements, and in the 1930s, he was offered – but declined – the opportunity to coach Panama’s national team for the Central American Olympics.
    — Zachary Kranc, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of medal
Noun
  • Furthermore, custom rigid shapes for every new material are expensive, fragile, and difficult to scale.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Many were marginal structures, long abandoned and often in questionable shape, whose conventional market value was close to nothing.
    — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • The researchers modified a capsid protein called pVIII, attaching cancer antigens to its surface by incorporating the corresponding genetic instructions into the virus.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The Photo Studio, led by a professional photographer, also offers classes and instruction on how to snap the perfect wildlife and iceberg pictures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • Before the five-in-five rule was passed in late June after the NBA Draft, granting five years of eligibility beginning with the 2023 high school class, UConn was seriously considering adding one player who was 23 years old, married with a child.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
  • What’s masked as a culture war in Florida is actually a class war the billionaires designed to tune us out, but young people are ready to even the scales on Election Day.
    — Cameron Driggers, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of class
Noun
  • The proposals, which are backed by the political action committee Building a Better California, include a ban on new taxes on financial assets and other personal property, a category that excludes real estate.
    — SOPHIE AUSTIN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Proponents say the measure applies to eight categories of projects California communities need to expand housing, improve civic infrastructure and promote green energy.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of category

Phrases Containing order

Browse Nearby Words

ordeals
order
ordered
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Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on order

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about order

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