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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

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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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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
1
2
as in to request
to give a request or demand for the players ordered hamburgers for lunch

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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 journalists regained access to the White House complex and had their press credentials returned nearly 12 hours after Kelly issued his order. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Even a few responses from organizations that broadly agree with tighter CFTC rules, including a letter from trading firm Susquehanna International Group, suggest order-book subordination is too onerous. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
Those reports do not establish that Washington ordered any of Machado’s flights stopped or was behind the request received by Curaçao’s aviation authority. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026 Romo also was ordered to pay $834, and have an ignition interlock device installed on his vehicles for a minimum of one year. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for order
Recent Examples of Synonyms for order
Noun
  • The developer said the model effectively created a plan for completing prerequisite quests in sequence.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Now, the sequence is more likely to end in shouted abuse and maybe a scuffle, the video shot on phones and streamed — sometimes live — on platforms like Kick or Facebook.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There is a subset of incoming college first year students, men and women, who find these organizations really appealing, and some of it is entirely understandable.
    — Richard Hall, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The county’s options for the facility range from holding Discovery Place in default and taking over the nature museum to accepting Discovery Place’s terms and giving the organization decades to repay the debt, staff said.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The tie-in between the world’s largest beauty company and reigning two-time UEFA Champions League winner will last through 2028, and is the first of its kind for L’Oréal.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In groundbreaking litigation, Munkittrick is leading the charge for Warner Music Group in a first-of-its-kind case arguing that the major labels’ licensing of sound recordings for generative AI training violates the Sound Recording Labor Agreement.
    — Claudia Rosenbaum, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Indian cricketers have avoided handshakes with Pakistan players, and have refused to accept the trophy and medals from a Pakistani official at more than one tournament.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • If there’s a medal, a trophy that goes to the winner, don’t bet on anybody else but her.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For Miraval The Red Sea, Foster + Partners architects have designed 180 guest rooms, suites, and villas with biophilic shapes and natural materials, allowing the accommodations to seamlessly fit into the landscape.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The team notes that this version uses one cell line, muscle fibers aligned in one direction and simple shapes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • According to Dutch News, neither officials in Curaçao nor the Dutch government have said where the instruction originated.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • However, considering the nature of the investigation and Chen’s access to children through his music instruction, sheriff’s officials said investigators want to ensure no inappropriate contact with a child has gone unreported.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Livia’s unease informs her skepticism of politics; in linking the two, Kingsolver conflates class and culture, using the former as an excuse for what really just seems to be Livia’s constitutional conservatism.
    — Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Collectibles are also becoming more accepted as an alternative investing asset class.
    — Joe D'Allegro, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The role brought him an Indian National Film Award for best supporting actor and the Filmfare award in the same category.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Some 42% purchased in at least two collectible categories beyond fine and decorative art, close to baby boomers at 39%.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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