order 1 of 2

Definition of ordernext
1
as in sequence
the way objects in space or events in time are arranged or follow one another you always keep your books in perfect alphabetical order we haven't found out the order of the speeches yet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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order

2 of 2

verb

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

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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

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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

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 order
Noun
The top four batters in Minnesota’s order combined to go 8 for 13 on Saturday with four homers and nine runs batted in. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026 The brand literally cut the coin in half along its edge in order to make one side, the Eagle with the coat of arms, the dial and the other side, Liberty, the case back. Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
Sugar is ordered by his fellow aliens to not assimilate during his time on Earth. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026 Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered the removal of the iconic yellow lettering following pressure from the White House and the threat of congressional legislation. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong and Bregman both tagged and advanced on the sequence, putting runners on second and third for Suzuki.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • The companies getting this right ensure that marketing, R&D and operations work from the same consumer truth at the same time so that what consumers need and what the business can brilliantly deliver are answered together, not in sequence.
    Manmit Shrimali, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The organization warned that as search-and-rescue teams begin to scale back operations, humanitarian needs—particularly food, medical care and protection services—could intensify rather than diminish.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the world’s largest professional MMA organization.
    Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Fans will appreciate the one-of-a-kind decor and furnishings, including original seats from the ballpark, an authentic scoreboard and a coffee table signed by Red Sox players.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
  • Lands’ statement gave no indication of how park officials concluded the liner was cut using a knife of some kind.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Tool Shed Brewing is an award-winning brewery, having won medals at multiple editions of the Canada Beer Cup.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Miller has won six Olympic and 79 World Cup medals, including a gold medal for Alpine Combined at the 2010 Vancouver Games.
    Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • In what was billed as a bullpen game, Barnes handled the final seven innings, leaving the varsity bullpen in fine shape for the Padres series.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Norway sat off during the second half, holding their 4-5-1 shape, and the Ivory Coast equaliser came about from a system switch and double sub.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Recent policies that State Shield has supported include a Tennessee bill requiring the state board of education to adopt age-appropriate instruction related to communism and a Louisiana resolution encouraging economic ties with Taiwan.
    Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • Plants need a good root system to hold onto water, and post-establishment watering instructions are important to follow.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Monthly events like their floral arrangement workshop and cocktail classes create a space where people can enjoy an experience while gaining new skills and knowledge.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Students return for the first day of classes since the shooting.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Trump valued more than two dozen assets at over $50 million, which is the highest disclosure category on the form.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2026
  • The report also highlighted improvements in clearance rates and an overall decrease in major crime categories, including robberies.
    CBS Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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