marshal 1 of 2

verb

variants also marshall
Definition of marshalnext
1
as in to organize
to assemble and make ready for action marshaled their forces for battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to accompany
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front marshaling a small group of children on a tour of the science museum

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to arrange
to put into a particular arrangement marshal your arguments before you stand up to speak

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

marshal

2 of 2

noun

variants also marshall
as in sheriff

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb marshal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of marshal are arrange, methodize, order, organize, and systematize. While all these words mean "to put persons or things into their proper places in relation to each other," 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 arrange instead of marshal?

The synonyms arrange and marshal are sometimes interchangeable, but arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment.

arranged the files numerically

When would methodize be a good substitute for marshal?

Although the words methodize and marshal have much in common, methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme.

methodizes every aspect of daily living

When is order a more appropriate choice than marshal?

In some situations, the words order and marshal are roughly equivalent. However, order suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion.

ordered her business affairs

When can organize be used instead of marshal?

While in some cases nearly identical to marshal, 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 could systematize be used to replace marshal?

The meanings of systematize and marshal largely overlap; however, 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 marshal
Verb
The frontiersmen like [Jim] Bridger give way to ideologues like Brigham Young, who were able to marshal the many. —Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025 Cushing also marshals anecdotal evidence suggesting Americans are desperate for parties but just don’t know where to find them. —Noah Rothman, National Review, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
Once the fire was out, the fire marshal collected their insurance information and the couple were left standing there, holding their dog. —Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025 The Anchorage Police Department spent 27 years investigating and working to find Fernandez with help from the marshals service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, prosecutors said. —Sara Schilling, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for marshal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for marshal
  1. organize
  2. accompany
  3. arrange
  4. sheriff
  5. mobilize
  6. lead
  7. dispose
  8. inspector
Verb
  • Approach: Pick one routine task — like organizing emails — and let an AI or smart filter handle it for a week.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Establishing a fully independent judiciary will be essential for organizing free elections, managing political disputes, and rehabilitating the economy, since international investment is often tied to confidence in a country’s legal systems.
    — PATRICK VINCK, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of organize
Verb
  • Fasting may also be accompanied by a more serious study of the Quran throughout the month.
    — James Powel, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The palate has a notable sweetness accompanied by red and black fruit notes, a crisp acidity, and a backbone of ripe tannins.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of accompany
Verb
  • Three years later, Ade arranged a romantic trip to Italy for the couple with the intention of asking Houston to be his wife.
    — Megan Pinckney Rutherford, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
  • In 1894, Ah Say arranged to have a hundred-and-thirty-foot ceremonial dragon delivered for the community’s annual New Year celebration.
    — Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of arrange
Noun
  • The sheriff's office said Tuesday that the company that provides natural gas service for the home made no significant findings after looking for gas leaks and carbon monoxide, the colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal by depriving people from getting enough oxygen.
    — Alex Sundby, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The sheriff’s office is expected to release body camera footage from the scene in the coming weeks.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of sheriff
Verb
  • During the first Trump administration, scientific institutions and grassroots groups mobilized to back up federal data.
    — Monica Sanders, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The community has mobilized for the massive search, with dozens of volunteers helping numerous agencies comb nearly 400 acres of woodland.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of mobilize
Verb
  • Listen: The Five Eyes have noticed Hanging over the rapid dissolution of these old relationships is the question of who would lead in the United States’ absence.
    — Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Helen Gregory and Simon Gillis now lead day-to-day operations as Joint Managing Directors.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of lead
Verb
  • Like in a typical Chapter 11, Hudson’s Bay will be examining its store fleet, payroll and other operations and assets to determine what should be kept or disposed.
    — David Moin, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Properly extinguish and dispose of any smoking materials.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of dispose
Noun
  • Wednesday’s report also said that Iran has also not reconsidered its September 2023 decision to ban some of the agency’s most experienced inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program.
    — Stephanie Liechtenstein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • There, inspectors visited about 100 properties, nearly all on just three roads — Riverside, Riverhaven and Lake drives.
    — Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of inspector

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“Marshal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marshal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on marshal

Nglish: Translation of marshal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about marshal

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