in descending order
idiom
: arranged in a series that begins with the greatest or largest and ends with the least or smallest
The states are listed in descending order of population size.
The sale items are arranged in descending order according to price.
Examples of in descending order in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Next up is China, then, in descending order, the nations of the European Union, Russia, Brazil, and Indonesia.
—
Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
Here, in descending order of greatness, are the 30 best of the year.
—August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
Here’s a rundown of Michigan’s position groups, ranked in descending order of strength.
—Austin Meek, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
Single Candidate Appearances Here are the eight biggest interview and town hall appearances, ranked in descending order.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for in descending order 
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.
Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
Here, in descending order of greatness, are the 30 best of the year.
—August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
Here’s a rundown of Michigan’s position groups, ranked in descending order of strength.
—Austin Meek, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
Single Candidate Appearances Here are the eight biggest interview and town hall appearances, ranked in descending order.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See all Example Sentences for in descending order
Dictionary Entries Near in descending order
Cite this Entry
“In descending order.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20descending%20order. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share