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

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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
Plaintiffs say that Congress — and not the president — has the power to condition how federal funds are used, and that the executive orders restrict free speech rights. Janie Har, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 Auburn hair with florid countenance denotes the highest order of sentiment and intensity of feeling, purity of character, with the highest capacity for enjoyment of suffering. Literary Hub, 9 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
  • The full sequence from take-off to crash—final moments of Air India 171 captured on CCTV.
    Hannah Parry Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Later in the demo, Grace returned to the room where the body was shredded, which triggered another chase sequence—this time to a locked gate.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • For organizations struggling with capacity or skill gaps, CTEM can deliver actionable insights and reduce noise, helping SOC teams become more effective.
    Seemant Sehgal, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • It was signed by 60 news organizations and press rights groups, including NPR.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 16 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
  • These highlight a growing phenomenon where high-profile figures - intentionally or not - shape health trends through their platforms.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Most of my friends and contemporaries are in very good shape.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Earlier instructions to stop antibiotics were premature, and a longer course was necessary.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • What the data show The crime rate in CMS increased after the COVID-19 pandemic when students returned to in-person instruction.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • China is refitting its Type 094 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) with longer-range missiles and developing both a new class of SSBN and a new type of nuclear-capable bomber aircraft, further enhancing the country's nuclear triad, according to the report.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
  • The area features houses, wooded areas and wetlands, and its inhabitants are mostly working class residents.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter has rushed to arrange a commission vote, ratifying it.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Ohtani was not made available to reporters who requested him.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • As a people leader, request that your staff turn their cell phones off in meetings.
    Martina Kuhlmeyer, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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