as in level
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement jobs in the upper echelons of the company pay quite well indeed

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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 echelon Fashion's upper echelons have been divided over pushes for modesty, from backlash over nudity at the Met Gala to an all-out ban on revealing outfits at Cannes. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 July 2025 Israel’s 12-day campaign is the first time the long-running shadow conflict between the Middle East’s military superpowers exploded into open warfare, decapitating the upper echelons of Iran’s military and nuclear leadership. Nabih Bulos foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025 After becoming the first Norwegian player to win on the PGA Tour and capturing the FedEx Cup in 2023, Hovland seemed poised to break into the top echelon of golfers. Don Yaeger, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 After their two-year-long engagement, Sánchez and Bezos are tying the knot in what will likely be a sumptuous affair attended by the upper echelons of Hollywood; Washington, D.C.; Silicon Valley, and Palm Beach, Fla. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for echelon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for echelon
Noun
  • The developments tend to support good construction jobs and have a low impact on traffic and the local school system due to modest employment levels.
    Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
  • Slow, diaphragmatic breathing can help bring down stress levels—even in the bathroom.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • They would be replaced by 11 sergeants, who are higher ranking but less experienced at teaching cadets.
    Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 29 July 2025
  • Alongside Baja California, other low-profile gems mentioned in Travel + Leisure’s ranking include: Sardinia, Italy.
    Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • Josh Hader and Emmanuel Clase rank fifth and sixth among all active relievers in saves (at 226 and 181, respectively) — with historic dominance to go with them.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • According to Deadline Hollywood, Mandi will play Naomi Kerr, a former solider and military contractor who joins the ranks of the Chicago police force.
    Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • But the international mood is shifting away from the US and Israeli position as famine-like conditions grip Gaza.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 25 July 2025
  • Together, these releases continue to cement Tier’s position as a brand that doesn’t just follow trends but sets them through intention and storytelling.
    Essence, Essence, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Barricades will be put in place on the closed streets and will be monitored.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 1 Aug. 2025
  • And while there are certainly plenty of places to eat in Osaka, the hotel’s two fine-dining restaurants are worth the visit.
    Christina Liao, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Echelon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/echelon. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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