hierarchy

noun

ˈhī-(ə-)ˌrär-kē
Definition of hierarchynext
as in ladder
a scheme of rank or order honesty sits at the top of my hierarchy of values

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 hierarchy Neat digital images and unjustified uses of film that reflect a social and class-based hierarchy of images. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026 Oversight hierarchy collapsed Congress created the Kennedy Center and determines its governance. — E. Andrew Taylor, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026 Each table represents a level in the company’s hierarchy, and the seating is determined by each employee’s rank. — Bob Chapek, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026 But the more interesting question is where Armory fits within an increasingly crowded hierarchy of fairs. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hierarchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hierarchy
  1. ladder
  2. ranking
  3. scale
Noun
  • The Texans were facing third-and-14 when a hook-and-ladder play with a 2-yard catch by Dalton Schultz and a 19-yard run by David Montgomery set up that score.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The wrestler has to climb the ladder to retrieve a briefcase hanging above the ring.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of ladder
Noun
  • Follert credits the monthly check-ins and the direct impact employees can have in shaping the company culture for its ranking in the top 10.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Some determine whether a firm meets baseline requirements; others are weighted to determine its place in the final ranking.
    — Kelli Grant, CFP®,Riley de León, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of ranking
Noun
  • The scale of the award also shows where the manufacturing bottleneck can sit inside a missile program.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Kingsolver’s fans appreciate her ability to play at vastly different scales.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of scale

Browse Nearby Words

hierarchs
hierarchy
hieroglyph
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hierarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hierarchy. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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