sort 1 of 2

Definition of sortnext

sort

2 of 2

verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sort distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sort are character, description, kind, nature, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can character take the place of sort?

While the synonyms character and sort are close in meaning, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of sort?

The words description and sort can be used in similar contexts, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might kind be a better fit than sort?

The synonyms kind and sort are sometimes interchangeable, but kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When could nature be used to replace sort?

While in some cases nearly identical to sort, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When is type a more appropriate choice than sort?

In some situations, the words type and sort are roughly equivalent. However, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

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 sort
Noun
Ser Simon had been an ally of sorts to Aemond's arch-nemesis, Prince Daemon (Matt Smith). Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 29 June 2026 Beckham might be an inspiration of sorts, but Kane is the one leading the way and now has three goals going into the knockout stage. Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Verb
At Yogyakarta’s Piyungan landfill in Indonesia, a city’s waste is sorted by scavengers and consumed by cows, quietly piling up into a hill, with their forms mirroring the landscape of trash around them. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Inside, more than 120 humanoids stand in neat rows, each performing a specific task repeatedly, from sorting packages or changing diapers to scooping popcorn, guided by human trainers with handheld controllers next to them. John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sort
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
  • Police release video of the person racing across the roof of the building from where authorities say the shot was fired, dropping down to the ground and walking off campus.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • Others may miss the warmth of a person who can read the room, handle a strange request or help when something goes wrong.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Companies need to have an airtight hold on their own sourcing data—an understanding not only of where the materials and inputs are coming from, but how to substantiate their claims and classify customs entries with precision.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 26 June 2026
  • Gambling disorder is now classified in the same section in the DSM as substance abuse disorders because of the similarities in clinical presentation and treatment.
    Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The suspect, an adult male, wore all black and traveled on a scooter.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • For those unable to attend games at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium, the free-to-enter festival offers local and traveling spectators a place to gather during the World Cup.
    Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The three-person team then found the corresponding symbols on a paper chart.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • To discover that the notes corresponded to where there was more human activity was really very moving.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Think ostrich feather chandeliers, dining nooks flanked with red velvet curtains, and stripes everywhere.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The Continental brigantine Andrew Doria arrived carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence and flying the Continental Colors – the predecessor of the stars and stripes.
    R. Grant Gilmore III, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Kahan headlines Rolling Stone’s inaugural Stateside Festival on July 4, just ahead of his return to Fenway on July 18 and 19, where 70,000 people will get to see a guy with his guitar absolutely captivate.
    Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026
  • Then, oh yeah, defenses can’t focus too much on those guys because of how much attention Joel Embiid commands.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Just as high school and college graduates hit the job market this summer, a research initiative has released a pair of Top 10 lists that rank the best employers for new grads seeking first jobs.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Among Japanese prefectures, Okinawa ranks first in consumption of KFC and last in consumption of seafood, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens—its residents have Japan’s highest average body-mass index.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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