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
Pasquantino first visited Italy in 2022 as part of a trip organized by MLB Hall of Famer and former Italy manager Mike Piazza. Becky Sullivan, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026 Three levels are organized as a series of interlocking volumes providing light and connectivity, while open public spaces extend directly to the garden through floor-to-ceiling Fleetwood sliding glass doors for seamless indoor-outdoor environs. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The foundation of San Diego’s fast start has been an organized, increasingly authoritative defensive spine led by Christopher McVey, Manu Duah and Kieran Sargeant. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 Season 4 focuses on the search for a missing Navajo girl, which takes Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito (Jessica Matten) from the safety of the Navajo Nation to the gritty terrain of 1970s Los Angeles in a race against the clock to save her from an obsessive killer with ties to organized crime. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
Cvitkovich told the candidates Gary has instructional coaches in each school, but also has organized professional development districtwide. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026 While there have been repatriation flights organized for South Africans, the couple did not pursue that avenue, being unsure of whether the government could — or would — assist in evacuating two citizens who live outside outside the country. Blane Bachelor, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for organize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for organize
Adjective
  • Prosecutors said the boy was living in a house of horrors and endured years of systematic abuse.
    Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • For The Union-Tribune Food for naught Cochrane Reviews are high-standard, independent systematic reviews of healthcare research.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 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
  • The difference is that where the dial was set perfectly last season, it has now been turned too heavily towards methodical build-up.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Improvisation is inherently spontaneous; rarely does the technique feel as measured and methodical as on At Source.
    Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That would leave him time for two starts before the regular season.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The Los Angeles Unified school board is hosting its first regular meeting Tuesday since Carvalho was placed on leave.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Organize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/organize. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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