order 1 of 2

1
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
But MacDonough found that provision also out of order, as well as one that would have prevented undocumented migrants from receiving assistance under the program. Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 23 June 2025 Plus, app orders over $150 automatically ship express—no extra steps needed. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 23 June 2025
Verb
Mahmoud Khalil greeted friends and spoke briefly to reporters Saturday at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey a day after a judge ordered his release from a federal immigration facility in Louisiana. Holly Ramer, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025 The last time a president called in the National Guard without a governor’s cooperation was in 1965, when Lyndon B. Johnson ordered troops to protect civil rights demonstrators in Alabama. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • Unlike traditional computing, which processes information in binary sequences, quantum computing harnesses the unique properties of quantum mechanics—superposition, entanglement and tunneling—to process complex information in entirely new ways.
    Markus Pflitsch, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • In a crucial chase sequence, Bond will have to deliver two hundred packages in a Honda Civic by 7 p.m. or risk unemployment.
    Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • His organization advocates for housing developers across the region.
    Jack Rodriquez-Vars, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
  • It also is used in Europe in general, in different organizations like police, like border control.
    Rob Schmitz, NPR, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Emerson captured two medals for the second consecutive year at the state championship.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • After his death, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and posthumously awarded several medals, including the Purple Heart.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • My curls stayed especially bouncy and held their shape all day, even while running around in humid weather.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 23 June 2025
  • On Instagram, Protect the Mütter declared victory and posted an image of two skeletal hands, their bony fingers pressed together to make a heart shape.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • The note said that one of the jurors is not able to follow the instructions given by the judge.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • Judge Arun Subramanian sent his response to the jury around 2 p.m. reminding the panel to deliberate and to follow his instructions on the law.
    Larry Neumeister, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Grant is quick to acknowledge how his own behavior as a customer was reformed by his temporary fall from the laptop class.
    Casey Cep, New Yorker, 28 June 2025
  • At the top of that class is the Flower Pot Fountain, which sends leaf- or flower-like clusters of sparks sprouting in different directions.
    Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Attentive staffers will be on hand for towel drops and spritz refills, as well as to help arrange water sports or beach games.
    Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025
  • Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter has rushed to arrange a commission vote, ratifying it.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The expansion fee is a record $250 million, according to two sources who requested anonymity because the discussions were private.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 30 June 2025
  • At his second federal hearing, on Friday morning, Boelter’s detention and preliminary hearing was rescheduled to Wednesday after his legal team requested a continuance, CBS News reported.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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!