sort 1 of 3

Definition of sortnext

sort

2 of 3

verb (1)

1
2
3

sort (through)

3 of 3

verb (2)

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
These partner-managers operate as mentors and sounding boards of sorts. Marlow Stern, Variety, 2 June 2026 For Death Cab, the return to an indie is a homecoming of sorts. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026
Verb
Target employs 9,300 people across 45 stores in Colorado, as well as at a dry goods distribution facility in Pueblo and a sorting center in Denver. Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 31 May 2026 Depending on the day’s training, the pilots could be opening and closing refrigerator doors, whisking liquids in a bowl, sorting silverware or turning a water faucet on and off over and over until the robot arms get it right. Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sort
Noun
  • For this reason, try to put your hummingbird food far from other bird feeders and, if possible, position several hummingbird feeders across your yard so aggressive hummingbirds can keep a safe space from their own kind.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
  • And by the way, all companies are creating value of some kind.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • State health departments will continue to conduct daily symptom monitoring, as well as 24/7 continuous oversight of each person, and provide guidance through the remainder of the 42-day monitoring period, which will end June 21.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
  • It is made for an on-the-go business person or visitor who wants to maximize their time in the Bay Area.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Those with motors of a certain size are legally classified as mopeds or motorcycles and cannot legally be ridden by anyone younger than age 16.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • Most of the people at Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Central Pennsylvania don't have a criminal record and are classified as low-security detainees, said Deluzio, who lives in Fox Chapel and represents parts of Allegheny County and all of Beaver County.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • And with roots travel booming, the library’s visitor numbers increased by more than a third between 2022 and 2025.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Your optimism travels farther when your inner base feels steady enough to support it.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • For example, clinical trials demonstrate weight loss of 15-20% or more, with corresponding improvements in cardiovascular outcomes, kidney function and metabolic health.
    Karen R. Studer, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
  • In a corresponding move, right-hander Paul Gervase was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Jackson and his confidante allegedly ordered child pornography At the end of Episode 1, Amen describes how many of Jackson’s associates had their homes searched in the wake of his arrest.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 June 2026
  • The bees will form a temporary cluster, hanging out while scouts search the surrounding area for a more permanent home in hollow spaces like tree cavities or, occasionally, the walls of a home.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Take Danielle, for instance, who dated Robert and a number of guys who barely appeared during her time on the show.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026
  • In the past few months you guys have been all over both social and traditional media.
    Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The Lebanese army said several of its soldiers, including a high-ranking officer, were killed in an Israeli strike.
    Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • As chair and then ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, Packwood was a master of cutting deals and forging compromises needed to pass tax legislation through Congress.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sort. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sort

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster