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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5
6
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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8

order

2 of 2

verb

1
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

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 Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, 31, and her ex-boyfriend, 33, appeared in Utah court on Thursday, April 30, for a hearing about their competing protective order filings and to determine a custody arrangement for their 2-year-old son Ever. Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 The order violates the Constitution, experts say, by attempting to seize states’ power to run elections. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
Verb
Restaurants and other food vendors ordered to close and allowed to reopen by Orange County health inspectors from April 23 to April 30. Ian Wheeler, Oc Register, 2 May 2026 Authorities ordered Farrug to put his hands up and to turn away from officers; however, Farrug refused and got back in the car, prompting officers to use a taser. Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • The sequence left us pondering our pet cats and, for good measure, our worst selves.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • In a season-long arc, Gallagher will play Rod Finlayson, a charismatic, uber-independent, capable yet unreliable figure, whose arrival at the Gibsons’ marina on his beloved boat sets up a sequence of upheavals that Alberg and Cassandra will have to grapple with.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Several of these PACs are affiliated with an organization called Public First, which received a grant of twenty million dollars from Anthropic.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • While 90% of respondents believe employees are using AI in their organization, just 22% indicate that AI ROI has met or exceeded their expectations.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Tracie Ruiz-Conforto won three medals — two golds and one silver — in dual and individual synchronized swimming at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics as one of the most dominant athletes in her sport during that era.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Her post also included a video of the group reacting to their win, followed by a selfie of Hudson, 25, and a teammate with their medal.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Scientists still have much left to learn about the billions of bubble-like shapes, Helm said.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • Incorporate Fruit and Berry Bowls An instant way to add more shape and sculptural elements to your kitchen is through berry bowls, says interior designer Danushka Boulos.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • But when cooking them at home, detour from the package instructions.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 May 2026
  • His book is both an instruction guide and a primer.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • The window next to my desk overlooks the gym’s large communal exercise room, and throughout the day, I am taunted by the sight of gyrating bodies panting through a Zumba class or a kettlebell set.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • One in eight freshmen at UC San Diego requires special remedial math classes just to catch up.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Others kick things up by arranging private beach bonfires in the evening, catamaran outings by day, surf lessons with Engstrom Surf, and even customized tarot card readings.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
  • If the Leafs take Stenberg, and the Sharks want a defenseman and are confident that the Vancouver Canucks will select McKenna, maybe the two Pacific Division teams can arrange a trade.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The vote requests that the department’s all-civilian watchdog adopt new guidelines similar to San Francisco, which bars police officers from pulling people over for broken taillights and other minor equipment violations unless there is a safety threat.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • Deputies determined Mattson was on felony probation and requested that Sacramento County Probation place a hold on him, but the department declined, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Order.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/order. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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