order 1 of 2

noun

Definition of order
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in organization
a group of persons formally joined together for some common interest a religious order

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in shape
a state of being or fitness finally got the car back in working order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in instruction
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned the commander issued an order that the number of guards for the prisoner be doubled

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in category
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic regards draftees as an entirely different order of soldier and less desirable than volunteers

Synonyms & Similar Words

order

2 of 2

verb

ˈȯr-dər 
1
as in to arrange
to put into a particular arrangement I've ordered all of my CDs according to type of music he likes to order his life so that there are few surprises

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to request
to give a request or demand for the players ordered hamburgers for lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to instruct
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority the police officer ordered the crowd to back away from the suspect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
However, separate temporary restraining orders or injunctions issued to specific athletes by individual state courts (such as in California) remain active, hence Dent’s eligibility. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 Under it, the USAF can issue individual work orders as engines need attention, without negotiating a completely new contract each time. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
Breakfast is at Fritz & Felix, lunch is squeezed into the Wintergarten conservatory, and dinner is either ordered to my room or eaten dressed up in the restaurants. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026 The Associated Press reported that 14,000 homes had been ordered evacuated. — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
  1. sequence
  2. organization
  3. kind
  4. medal
  5. shape
  6. instruction
  7. class
  8. category
Noun
  • Throw in a dash of bodily horror, and suddenly Hig’s descent into a pit of obvious-from-space disaster becomes the film’s most interesting sequence, with all the good and bad that interesting entails.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2026
  • This output value is then substituted back into the linear equation to determine the next number in the sequence.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sequence
Noun
  • Only if the issue is not corrected within that timeframe will the organization be administratively dissolved.
    — Megan De Mar, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Cush addressed the allegations at Monday’s board meeting, saying the district has no contracts with the Alive Center and the board members have not benefited from their involvement with both organizations.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of organization
Noun
  • Zingara Vintage is the place for beachy finds; owner Erin Silver also turns vintage YSL and Pendleton towels into one-of-a-kind pieces.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • As of late last year, nearly three-quarters of the more than 70,000 people held in ICE detention — itself a record — had no criminal conviction of any kind.
    — Arlene Marcus, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of kind
Noun
  • Spits arrived at the medal ceremony looking unable to believe what had happened after his second round had left him wondering whether the championship had slipped away.
    — Gemma Redrup, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The burial ground was likely Protestant due to a complete absence of devotional items, such as crosses and medals characteristic of Catholic burials.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of medal
Noun
  • Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 A little quiet can help your next big idea find its shape.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Super Zoom is better at capturing predictable items, such as objects and animals with consistent shapes and details that AI can more easily interpret.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of shape
Noun
  • Teachers and middle and high schoolers will get a mix of online and in-person instruction on how AI tools work and how to use them effectively.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Students’ absences have been excused during the closure, but families also have had the option of alternative instruction at a site on the Jacksonville High School campus.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • Authorities have introduced new rules in recent years, including a cap on the maximum number of climbers per day and requiring them to take a brief class about hiking safety.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond the dreamy spa treatments, there’s much planned for wellness at Luura, from on-site classes and contrast therapy in the sauna and cold plunge to off-site adventures like hiking and trail running.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of class
Noun
  • Book facing the ocean to catch the dramatic sunsets, and choose the Sapphire Junior Suite or any room category above it to gain access to Haute Living, a private lounge stocked with complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The framework scores models across risk categories, including cybersecurity, biological and chemical weapons, and a model’s ability to act autonomously.
    — Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of category

Phrases Containing order

Browse Nearby Words

ordeals
order
ordered
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Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on order

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about order

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