order 1 of 2

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2
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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

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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

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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
Many fans are not fully happy with the resulting new order, even some of those who have landed in a more financially valuable conference. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 May 2025 The Bretton Woods conference was a tussle between Britain and America to shape the new world financial order and with it, bodies like the IMF. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
Officers ordered them to get down, but the men failed to comply, according to a CDCR news release obtained by Fox News Digital. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025 Police nabbed Mills Monday, and he was ordered held without bail at his arraignment. Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • So there was an overall analog approach to the fight sequences, the set builds, the cinematography and the color palette.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
  • The child starts to recognize quantities, sequences, and patterns.
    Jose Bolanos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • In honor of the organization’s 40th anniversary, President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis spoke about GLAAD’s achievements, impact and future.
    Matt Alderton, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • The Gaza Humanitarian Fund, the American organization, has given out, so far, like nearly 8 million meals to the people of Gaza through these aid distribution.
    Steve Inskeep, NPR, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • The winning beers were made by breweries across the U.S. and globe, though surprisingly, given the style’s European roots, no breweries from Europe took home pilsner medals.
    Erik Ofgang, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Now, despite clocking the fastest time in the state, Clara Adams went home without a medal.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • The Buckeyes are in good shape for the foreseeable future with former five-stars Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair both on the roster, but most programs like to take a quarterback every year.
    Grace Raynor, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • By factoring in island shape, reef type and location, scientists and policymakers can make smarter, more effective decisions.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The only instructions for the theater audience that night will be to get their butts in the seats before curtain.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 6 June 2025
  • Residents were advised to heed official warnings throughout the severe weather cycle and stay alert for any additional storm advisories or emergency instructions.
    Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Your allies probably have LGBTQ+ coworkers, cousins or that person from their yoga class who has a labret piercing and a rainbow carabiner.
    Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • Students initially returned to school online and later resumed in-person classes at a Santa Monica building that formerly housed a Sears.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • The park hosts various stargazing events, and larger groups can arrange hour-long astronomy programs (pending staff availability).
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • Fun fact: Cohen arranged the casting contract for his former Goonies costar Ke Huy Quan for Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).
    Sarah Weldon, EW.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Outside researchers can request access to VSD data by submitting study proposals to the CDC.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
  • Banerjee did not respond to emails requesting comment from The Bee.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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