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

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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

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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

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order

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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
Instead, voters pick multiple candidates on the ballot and rank them in order of preference – first, second, third, and beyond. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 At least two of the passengers asked to finish their quarantines at home but were given federal orders requiring them to stay at the National Quarantine Unit through May 31. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 29 May 2026
Verb
Governor Mike DeWine ordered a halt to a program offering tax breaks while a committee studies the economic impact of the projects. Yash Roy, Fortune, 6 June 2026 Bucci was placed on probation and ordered to take part in counseling and community service. Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • Just eight phylotypes appeared on more than 70% of participants, and those dominant lineages accounted for roughly a third of all bacterial sequences detected.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • Having said that, for me the movie is at its best as a chase thriller — a sequence in which O’Connor escapes a remote farmhouse is particularly well-executed.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • In the second quarter just now, the Madison Square Garden video board ran a video segment thanking the NYPD, when earlier today, the two organizations appeared to be at odds over the watch party outside the arena, which is not happening tonight.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 June 2026
  • For veteran players like Megna, Keaton Middleton and Jacob MacDonald, this was 5-6 years of service with this organization in the making.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • For this reason, try to put your hummingbird food far from other bird feeders and, if possible, position several hummingbird feeders across your yard so aggressive hummingbirds can keep a safe space from their own kind.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
  • And by the way, all companies are creating value of some kind.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Elana Meyers Taylor’s sixth Olympic medal shines brightest.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026
  • Biles, winner of 41 Olympics and world-competition medals, posted a photo of a trio of wristbands of the type issued to patients at hospitals.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Every second, the radar can beam out 1,800 short-pulse radio waves in a massive cone shape.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • As the rocks eroded and wore away into their iconic shapes, Native people hunted, gathered and farmed beside them.
    Alia Beard Rau, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Be sure to read all instructions and fill the form out only once.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 6 June 2026
  • Kuwaiti’s military said forces were intercepting missiles and drones attacking the country, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens and told residents to move to the nearest safe location and follow official instructions.
    Michelle L. Price, Fortune, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Don’t miss the outdoor yoga classes taught outside on the beachside pavilion beneath the rainforest canopy twice per day (complimentary for all guests).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • America’s next president, and the class of senators elected this November, seem all but guaranteed to face the politically perilous task of addressing Social Security’s imminent insolvency before the end of their term.
    Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Tadka, the microdrama platform within leading Indian streamer JioHotstar, has crossed 100 million users, establishing premium short-form content as a mainstream entertainment category in India.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 June 2026
  • Bathrooms are large, with soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and double vanities, standard even in entry-level room categories.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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