Synonyms of marshal

marshal 1 of 2

verb

variants also marshall

1

as in to organize

to assemble and make ready for action

marshaled their forces for battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• organize
• mobilize
• summon
• rally
• muster
• arrange
• activate
• order
• group
• convene
• line up
• call (up)
• collect
• round up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• demobilize
• disrupt
• disturb
• dismiss
• disorganize
• disarrange
• demob
• deactivate
• split (up)
• dissolve
• disband
• disorder
• break up

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

• accompany
• lead
• route
• steer
• guide
• usher
• pilot
• escort
• conduct
• direct
• show
• precede
• chaperon
• manage
• attend
• chaperone
• convoy
• control
• see

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• trail
• dog
• tail
• shadow
• hound
• tailgate

3

as in to arrange

to put into a particular arrangement

marshal your arguments before you stand up to speak

Synonyms & Similar Words

• organize
• arrange
• dispose
• order
• classify
• file
• array
• codify
• systematize
• cue
• lay out
• draw up
• place
• range
• sequence
• make up
• queue
• set
• groom
• spruce (up)
• align
• straighten (up)
• line
• prioritize
• line up
• set out
• display
• tidy (up)
• aline
• unscramble
• emplace
• hierarchize
• alphabetize
• map (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disarray
• upset
• derange
• disarrange
• disorder
• mess (up)
• muss (up)
• rumple

marshal

2 of 2

noun

variants also marshall

as in sheriff

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sheriff
• inspector
• trooper
• detective
• investigator
• lieutenant
• sleuth
• sergeant
• dick
• patrolman
• policewoman
• policeman
• officer
• peace officer
• gumshoe
• cop
• sleuthhound
• police
• captain
• gendarme
• hawkshaw
• lawman
• plainclothesman
• constable
• sherlock
• copper
• police officer
• police force
• constabulary
• bobby
• bull
• flatfoot
• man
• operative
• fuzz
• private eye
• private detective
• shamus
• heat
• private investigator

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• civilian

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

Recent Examples of marshal

Verb

To make this case, Mr. Benz has marshaled the decades-old work of left-wing journalists and scholars, such as the historian Alfred McCoy, whose research on the C.I.A. and U.S.A.I.D.’s role in heroin trafficking in Southeast Asia earned the ire of the C.I.A. in the early 1970s. —Charles Homans, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

The bureau marshaled on, with recent work including capping bank overdraft fees and removing medical debt from consumer credit reports. —Matt Sedensky, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025

Noun

Frizell, a former Minneapolis police officer, left Metro Transit in May 2022 after being selected to be U.S. marshal of the District of Minnesota and becoming the first Black person in the state’s history to hold the position. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2025

Authorities said the marshals opened fire when Jones charged at them with a knife. —Jason Green, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!