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
History teaches us that real reforms in a capitalist country have only come about by organizing strikes and boycotts. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026 The Madison meet-and-mingle was organized by Connor Favre, the Republican town committee chair, and Amy Stefanowski, a former Republican state central committee member and the wife of the former two-time nominee. Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Big Mistakes follows Nicky (Levy) and Morgan (Ortega), two deeply incapable siblings who are in over their heads when a misguided theft for their dying grandmother accidentally pulls them into the world of organized crime. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2026 At the end of the first episode, Nicky — a gay pastor — and Morgan — impulsive and stuck in a seemingly dead-end relationship — land in the pocket of organized criminals, being forced at gunpoint into the back of a delivery truck. Dave Itzkoff, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
This shows up in the way lessons are organized. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2026 Below is a recap of the C-suite developments at America’s highest-revenue-generating companies announced between March 28–April 3, 2026, organized by sector. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for organize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for organize
Adjective
  • In many tribal communities, a lack of care coincides with long-standing inequities caused by centuries of systematic discrimination.
    Katheryn Houghton, NPR, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The situation of prisoners and the regime’s systematic use of the death penalty as a political tool of repression must be made a central condition in any negotiations or engagement with the Islamic Republic.
    Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 6 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
  • His on-ice intelligence gets high grades for how methodical and pinpoint accurate his execution is in the offensive zone.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The Apollo program was centrally planned and ruthlessly methodical.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The shortstop, no stranger to being a role player, also marveled at Rosario’s ability to stay ready despite a lack of regular playing time.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Just like the Stars against Calgary, the Wild rallied from a pair of one-goal deficits against Seattle and are once again feeling good about their game heading into Thursday’s final regular-season meeting with the Stars.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Organize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/organize. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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