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sort

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sort distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sort are character, description, kind, nature, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can character take the place of sort?

While the synonyms character and sort are close in meaning, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of sort?

The words description and sort can be used in similar contexts, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might kind be a better fit than sort?

The synonyms kind and sort are sometimes interchangeable, but kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When could nature be used to replace sort?

While in some cases nearly identical to sort, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When is type a more appropriate choice than sort?

In some situations, the words type and sort are roughly equivalent. However, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

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 sort
Noun
Social status and fashion conspired to make gentlewomen’s footwear of every sort flimsy. Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025 The taxidermied bird hung on the wall is prominently featured on Soul’s website, a mascot of sorts, heralding the restaurant’s return. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
While complex Search algorithms organize traditional results page, Web Guide results will be sorted by a custom version of Gemini AI. PC Magazine, 25 July 2025 That will create an avalanche of data for authorities to sort and verify on a rolling basis. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sort
Noun
  • Year-round, the Virginia Beach Farmers Market features local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade soaps, plants, honey, and crafts of all kinds.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Enid returns to Nevermore with a new pack and a new crush — Bruno (Noah B. Taylor), a kind and charming werewolf who offers the popularity and acceptance she’s always craved.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • That’s the person who can integrate diverse expertise, promote equitable contributions, and cultivate trust.
    Jamil Zaki, Harvard Business Review, 15 Aug. 2025
  • But when someone raises concerns about questionable billing practices, the issue is quietly set aside and the person is moved to another role.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The lockbox is fireproof and waterproof and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) classified.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The best way to protect yourself from poor air quality is to stay indoors, especially when the Air Quality Index reaches above 101, which is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
    Jack Albright, jsonline.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The wallet traveled 151,000 miles before being discovered.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • In late June, Gupta and Aria traveled to South Florida on a vacation, staying in a short-term Airbnb rental in El Portal, just north of Miami city limits.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Note: Most subscribers have some, but not all, of the puzzles that correspond to the following set of solutions for their local newspaper.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Under their de-escalation, Beijing’s corresponding levy on US products stood at 10 percent.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • How a 'Mad Dogs' concert film led to the Tedeschi Trucks Band Q: You guys definitely captured a bit of the magic.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • With a pair of catwalks jutting from the oval stage, the guys roam into the crowd, all while hitting their dance moves, and blending their upbeat pop anthems with the sappier ballads that made them into a heartthrob collective.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Cleveland Browns quarterback ranks first among NFL rookies for merchandise sales, according to data from Fanatics that tracks sales of jerseys and other apparel from its network of sites, including NFL Shop.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Despite this, New York still ranks in the bottom-third of teams based on fielding percentage at .985, which is the same mark as in 2024.
    Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • From the outside, maternal instincts may be most associated with care and compassion.
    Pia Lauritzen, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The showgirl aesthetic is typically associated with the burlesque scene, where female performers adorned themselves with rhinestones, sequins, and feathers at various clubs, theaters, and lounges.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sort. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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