organize 1 of 3

Definition of organizenext

organized

2 of 3

adjective

organized

3 of 3

verb (2)

past tense of organize

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb organize contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of organize are arrange, marshal, methodize, order, and systematize. While all these words mean "to put persons or things into their proper places in relation to each other," organize implies arranging so that the whole aggregate works as a unit with each element having a proper function.

organized the volunteers into teams

When can arrange be used instead of organize?

In some situations, the words arrange and organize are roughly equivalent. However, arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment.

arranged the files numerically

When could marshal be used to replace organize?

The synonyms marshal and organize are sometimes interchangeable, but marshal suggests gathering and arranging in preparation for a particular operation or effective use.

marshaling the facts for argument

When is it sensible to use methodize instead of organize?

While the synonyms methodize and organize are close in meaning, methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme.

methodizes every aspect of daily living

Where would order be a reasonable alternative to organize?

The words order and organize can be used in similar contexts, but order suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion.

ordered her business affairs

When might systematize be a better fit than organize?

While in some cases nearly identical to organize, 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 organize
Verb
The bag has tons of compartments to keep your skincare, hair products, and makeup organized, plus special sections that keep bottles upright to prevent spills. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 Keeping the veteran center-back healthy to organize the backline remains crucial for Orlando to build defensive consistency. Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Season 2’s closing episode ends with Quinn officially taking the reins of her father Frank’s (John Noble) shady business dealing in organized crime. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026 Alvarez-Concepcion is facing 39 charges, including kickbacks and/or solicitation, organized scheme to defraud and second-degree grand theft, Miami-Dade court records show. Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
While police began investigating Marquis’s disappearance, Lakisha organized her family and community to search for him. Edie Peffley, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026 Keep your busy life organized with Cozyla, a smart touchscreen hub designed for the whole family to bring together schedules, routines, chores and meal plans into one easy-to-use display. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for organize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for organize
Adjective
  • First, communities in Maryland are taking a systematic approach to unemployment.
    Rajiv J. Shah, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology, was a systematic review of 10 observational studies, which together included nearly 470,000 Americans between 15 and 39.
    Ciara McCarthy April 20, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Starboard’s 2026 strategy leans into partnership, culture and experiential momentum, while Harding+ is building a more systematized retail model around emotion, data, and innovation.
    Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Adewale brings a methodical craft to the character.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Every time Lockport’s Sydney Amschler steps up to the plate, the senior left fielder goes through a methodical routine.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • At the conclusion of every regular season, provided the Knicks make the playoffs, the organization redesigns the corridor leading from the home locker room to the Madison Square Garden hardwood floors.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • But, yes, the Heat clearly failed to measure up during the regular season and likely would not have held their ground as well as the Magic did in their series opener against Detroit.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Organize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/organize. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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