order 1 of 2

1
2
3
as in type
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common collects movie posters, photographs and autographs of the stars, and other memorabilia of that order

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in medal
a piece of metal given in honor of a special event, a person, or an achievement a book with full-color illustrations of British orders and decorations

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
6
7
as in class
one of the segments of society into which people are grouped the lower orders were once expected to be content living out their lives as servants to the upper classes

Synonyms & Similar Words

8

order

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to request
to give a request or demand for the players ordered hamburgers for lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to ask
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the teacher ordered that everyone sit down immediately and be quiet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb order contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of order are arrange, marshal, methodize, organize, and systematize. While all these words mean "to put persons or things into their proper places in relation to each other," order suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion.

ordered her business affairs

Where would arrange be a reasonable alternative to order?

The words arrange and order are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment.

arranged the files numerically

When can marshal be used instead of order?

The meanings of marshal and order largely overlap; however, marshal suggests gathering and arranging in preparation for a particular operation or effective use.

marshaling the facts for argument

When would methodize be a good substitute for order?

While in some cases nearly identical to order, methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme.

methodizes every aspect of daily living

When might organize be a better fit than order?

In some situations, the words organize and order are roughly equivalent. However, organize implies arranging so that the whole aggregate works as a unit with each element having a proper function.

organized the volunteers into teams

In what contexts can systematize take the place of order?

The synonyms systematize and order are sometimes interchangeable, but systematize implies arranging according to a predetermined scheme.

systematized billing procedures

Examples 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 order
Noun
Both types of ovens could also be malfunctioning as the result of a faulty thermostat, which tells the oven when and when not to run a heating cycle in order to maintain the preset temperature. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Jan. 2025 Italian law stipulates the rules for where and how the cheese can be produced, including how long it’s aged, in order to be called Parmigiano-Reggiano. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
Tape was ordered, outboard gear obtained, studio time booked. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025 She was ordered held on Rikers pending a transfer to New Jersey to face the charges. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for order 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • The average Premier League team have 57 sequences per match that start in the attacking half.
    Mark Carey, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
  • That included an eight-save sequence in the third, in which Arlington pulled John Snider (21 saves) for all 1:34 of a 4-on-4 down 3-1 with 5:09 left – and kept him off for a 26-second 6-on-4 advantage.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Critics Choice Awards—slated for Sunday—were postponed due to the fires, the organization told Variety.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
  • So far, according to its own data, there were more than 100 international organizations actively participating in it.
    Jorge Ramis, WIRED, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Secchi shared an image of his medal on Instagram, comparing it to flaky crocodile skin.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Rather than the usual award ceremony, in which the president places the award around the neck of the recipient, Mr. Biden posted on X an image from the Oval Office in which a military aide presented the medal.
    Zolan Kanno-Youngs, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This Rodeo wallet from Carhartt features a longer, rectangular shape in Carhartt’s rugged leather and provides plenty of compartments for organizing checks, business cards, receipts, cash and cards.
    Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025
  • There is always the human form on the one hand, and lines and shapes on the other.
    E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • However, according to Michigan Modern, the architect didn’t send any instructions on how to build this fundamental element of the home, causing confusion.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Driving instructions directives Blue Words: Brake, park, signal, turn.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement Students who had been at Marquez Elementary will report for class at Nora Sterry Elementary in the Sawtelle neighborhood, which is south of Brentwood.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The early access launch includes three of the six chapters of the campaign, six of the 12 character classes and half of all available class skills.
    Jason Bennett, arkansasonline.com, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • One day before TikTok star Deborah Finck died of rare soft tissue cancer, her daughter Katerina arranged a meaningful memory.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
  • McGahn arranged a memo warning Trump the move could lead to his impeachment.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Federal Trade Commission advises anyone whose debit or credit card Information was exposed to do the following: Contact your bank or credit card company to cancel your card and request a new one.
    Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Tucker, who avoided arbitration with the Astros last year when the two sides settled on a $12 million salary, requested a raise to $17.5 million from the Cubs in 2025.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near order

Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on order

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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