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

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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

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 fire apparently started outside the home, but the fire marshal is still investigating the cause. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025 The fire marshal’s office looks at burn patterns, evidentiary samples and examines equipment and appliances, even light switches. —Gracie Stockton, Twin Cities, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
An individual’s positive contributions such as steady employment, volunteer work, military service, long-term residence, and yes, tax compliance being expressly mentioned, can now be marshaled to offset negative incidents. —Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 To change policy in an effective and enduring way requires marshaling the tools of an administrative state. —Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 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
  • Zhmo Canvas Tote Bag Finding a work bag that checks every box—fits your laptop, holds your lunch and water bottle, keeps things organized, and still looks stylish—is no small feat.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
  • This became clear from talking—between watching sail races—to those involved with organizing a Rolex SailGP event in France.
    — Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of organize
Verb
  • The First 70 Years contains impeccable research and analysis, accompanied by fascinating photos of the sets, film crews, and casts.
    — Michael Taube, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Analyst Gil Luria accompanied the move by raising his price target to $210 per share from $195.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of accompany
Verb
  • That could delay clarity on how Sullivan will arrange his D pairs.
    — Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2025
  • That’s the 20th century approach, before everybody had a mobile app that can arrange rides, give instructions and track locations.
    — Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of arrange
Noun
  • Initial reports said the possible crash may have occurred near Summit Lake, the sheriff's office said.
    — Jessica Gorman, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Amar Gandhi, a sheriff’s spokesperson, declined to respond to the new allegations made in Thimmhardy’s citizen complaint.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of sheriff
Verb
  • As Israel mobilizes an additional 60,000 reservists for its Gaza City offensive, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a showdown over mandatory military service for the Ultra-Orthodox community, a debate sharpened by the strain on reservists pulled from their families for months at a time.
    — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk emerged as one of the most pivotal figures in the conservative movement over recent years, co-founding the nonprofit Turning Point USA and becoming an ally to Trump after advocating to mobilize the youth vote for the GOP nominee.
    — J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of mobilize
Verb
  • Unlocking perks But the rising cost of card membership has led some users to downgrade to lower-tier versions or explore more affordable offerings from Capital One or Citigroup, senior Bankrate analyst Ted Rossman told CNBC in June.
    — Hugh Son, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Abreu currently leads the Kubota High Limit Racing standings after securing nine victories so far this season.
    — Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of lead
Verb
  • The company said customers should wrap any unopened bottles in paper towels and place them in a plastic bag before disposing of them to avoid any risk from shattered glass.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Northrop's Cygnus is designed to dispose of trash at the end of each mission by burning up in Earth's atmosphere.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of dispose
Noun
  • The inspector found mouse droppings under the chip rack, black organic residue in the ice machine and flies in the grocery area.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
  • And the inspector found Amityville Horror Denny’s.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of inspector

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marsh
marshal
marshaled
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“Marshal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marshal. Accessed 19 Sep. 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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