sort 1 of 2

sort

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3

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
The rivalry game serves as an elimination game of sorts for the Horned Frogs. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2025 Puck has indicated that, for him, the restaurant would be a legacy piece, of sorts. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
That gives us a lot of freedom to sort our way through and find a way to get those points in a way that will feel natural and surprising. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025 Aside from individual shoppers using an avocado app, the study’s authors hope that their technology will also deploy to processing facilities for sorting and grading the fruit at scale. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sort
Noun
  • But in the eastern areas close to the front, movement of any kind is dangerous, and electricity and phone service are often disrupted.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The boutique will include handmade must haves, one-of-a-kind treasures and great gift ideas, as well as quilts for all ages, holiday items, children’s toys, lovely home décor, planters and unique household goods to name a few.
    Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Police reportedly located the woman after reviewing a two-second security camera video clip, in which she was allegedly seen on a city sidewalk carrying something that appeared to be wrapped in a bundle and holding it as a person would typically hold a baby.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • One issue is that hypnosis has long been viewed as a form of entertainment, a stage show with a hypnotist and an audience, which can give viewers a sense that hypnosis is something done to you rather than a process that a person is led through.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Related Stories In a nutsell, the test arranged by the cutter’s union documented that AI tools are great for organizing, classifying and summarizing.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Police and the media classified Gacy’s victims as male prostitutes and homosexuals, using that as an excuse to marginalize and blame them.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The only surefire way to avoid this modern-day traveler's burnout is by taking the path less traveled.
    Travel + Leisure, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Law previously shared updates of Kinley as a baby, including the two of them traveling, playing together and dressing up.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The end of the growing season corresponds with the end of the mowing season.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The Panthers entered the weekend with an opening on their 53-man roster, so only one corresponding move was needed to activate Corbett and Coker together.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This guy really broke her heart.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
  • As Morgan and Jonah navigate shifting alliances, Clara grapples with her grief, compounded by her confusion as to what in God’s name is going on with her mom and uncle, plus a budding romance with local cool guy Miller (Mason Thames).
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Leeds United find themselves in the opposite camp, ranking bottom in big-chance conversion rate after converting just three of 17 such opportunities.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The personal finance website recently ranked the best baseball cities in America in 2025, based on team performance, ticket prices and other factors.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The lights are also meant to honor and invite the goddess Lakshmi, who is associated with agriculture and abundance, to enter and bless their homes, temples and other public spaces.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Yet, historians have noted that his rhetoric and policies play into the individualist and patriotic characteristics associated with the beloved Western cowboy.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sort. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sort

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!