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 steer
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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

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
With the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, York then marshaled forces to create one single telescope that could map hundreds of millions of objects in the sky — a central telescope systematically scanning the sky, and then releasing massive quantities of data publicly available to any scientist. —Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026 Though December 24 and 26 were federal holidays, the new Commissioner marshalled the staff at the more than 1,200 community service outlets to work those days in exchange for overtime payments. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
There were no fatalities, according to the fire marshal's office. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026 Ballis also is the fire marshal for the city, a job that includes code enforcement, plan review for life safety, sprinkler and fire alarms. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for marshal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for marshal
  1. organize
  2. steer
  3. arrange
  4. sheriff
  5. mobilize
  6. guide
  7. classify
  8. inspector
Verb
  • Efforts are now underway to organize residents and explore legal options.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The 21st Arbor Day celebration was organized by Harford County to plant native trees throughout the County.
    — The Aegis, Baltimore Sun, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of organize
Verb
  • The space, painted in murals by Inigma Productions, carries the familiar light furnishings from Mazi, but other furnishings and decor steer it toward a new personality.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • With anti-lock-brakes, use firm, steady pressure and gently steer.
    — Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of steer
Verb
  • The concierge specializes in Kyoto’s cultural events, and can help access exclusive ochaya with an interpreter, score tickets to the theater, book dinner reservations, a huge help in Kyoto, or help arrange meetings with monks and priests at the city’s Shinto shrines and temples.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • These could be arranged into longer, songlike sequences that played automatically.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of arrange
Noun
  • After Bonta ordered Bianco to halt his probe, the sheriff seized another 426 boxes of ballots last week.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Some commissioners say the sheriff's office keeps overspending.
    — Ubah Ali, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of sheriff
Verb
  • But the timeline of events revealed in the police affidavit and 911 call show how quickly her colleagues and family members mobilized to find her on Wednesday.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Lentsch is also optimistic that Protect Wyoming’s work can help influence public-land policy in neighboring states, and mobilize outdoorsmen beyond just the West.
    — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of mobilize
Verb
  • Almost all quickly reunite with their ewes, and any that struggle are guided back.
    — NPR, NPR, 4 Apr. 2026
  • After the game resumed, Matias Fernandez-Pardo delivered an assist and scored to guide his team to third place, nine points behind Lens.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of guide
Verb
  • The fire is classified as accidental.
    — Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • By classifying sports betting as a public health issue and imposing rigid federal standards, the proposal also significantly limits the autonomy of the states, which have been primarily responsible for the legalization and regulation of this sector since 2018.
    — Cláudia Nunes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of classify
Noun
  • The cast also includes Jennifer Jason Leigh as Jillian Graves, Lincoln Graves’ sister, and aunt to Bishop Graves; Jordana Brewster as Kat Claiborne, a seasoned inspector at the San Francisco Police Department; and Harry Treadaway as Wyatt.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The case was prosecuted by Moran, with assistance from inspector Martin Heanue and paralegal specialist Christina Bennett.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of inspector

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Cite this Entry

“Marshal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marshal. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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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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