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

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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
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
  • Shot in slow motion from overhead, the sequence features a bandaged and bloodied Korda luxuriating — eating, reading, smoking — in his bath as assorted nurses and household staff flit around him as if in a ballet.
    EW.com, EW.com, 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Ginny, who winds up pregnant after striking up a romance with Wolfe (Ty Doran) from her poetry class, decides to terminate her pregnancy shortly after learning of her condition, and her mom is completely on board with whatever her daughter wants.
    Julia Moore, People.com, 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 14 Jun. 2025.

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