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
Consider the Topo Designs Travel Accessory Bundle, now 51 percent off, which comes with a packing cube, Dopp kit, and accessory pouch to keep your bags organized. Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026 The Gallery at the Mar is organized around three rooms, preceded by a hallway where portraits of Kate Moss, Stella Tennant and Natalia Vodianova are hung on the walls. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Adjective
The report estimates organized crime is active in at least 67% of Amazon municipalities across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026 On today’s show at noon, our Dolphins writers will also answer viewers’ questions and look ahead to next week’s start of organized team activities (OTAs). South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
Verb
The three‑part design keeps essentials organized and secure, with two zippered compartments for valuables and a snap‑closure center pocket that offers quick access while helping deter pickpockets. Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026 The event was organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership backed by the White House. Tiffany Stanley, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for organize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for organize
Verb
  • Soon, survey crews showed up, bulldozers were spotted along dusty roads, and the Army Corps of Engineers arranged private meetings.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • The spa There’s no spa, but morning yoga and pilates classes are hosted on the rooftop and the hotel can help arrange in-room massage treatments.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The hotel plans to organize excursions to nearby wine estates for tastings.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • The state is planning a $10 million project that will impact two communities and, in addition to replacing outdated infrastructure, the work is intended to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, records show.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • The new report goes further, calling the violence systematic and calculated.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
  • But there is also a systematic way to determine whether the risk is worth it.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • The product is a cluster of six lie-flat sleep pods arranged in three tiers — the setup is essentially bunk beds in the sky — between the economy and premium economy cabins on its newest Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
    Chris Dong, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • People sating their desires for food and company no longer need seedy hotels or hastily arranged Facebook events, now that brick-and-mortar spaces like Aikens’s restaurant exist.
    Victoria M. Walker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • It is planned as a co-production with Germany and at least one more country.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
  • In a statement, the Kremlin said that Putin’s trip, planned for May 19-20, had been scheduled to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Another pair of wins from KPop Demon Hunters, which are attached to the evil boy band Saja Boys, cracked the top 10 as well, and several members – the group is made up of Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo and Samuil Lee – are usually classified as K-pop artists.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • Final thoughts For context, my backyard sky falls somewhere between 7 and 8 on the Bortle scale, a nine-level system used by astronomers to classify the brightness of the night sky and the impact of light pollution.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Injuries, new player adaptation and recruitment focusing on technical players while the rest of the league prepared for a fight.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • The potential costs of not preparing adequately are eye-watering.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Organize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/organize. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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