marshal 1 of 2

verb

variants also marshall
Definition of marshalnext
1
as in to organize
to assemble and make ready for action marshaled their forces for battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to arrange
to put into a particular arrangement marshal your arguments before you stand up to speak

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

marshal

2 of 2

noun

variants also marshall
as in sheriff

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 marshal
Verb
His Canadian ploy was not salutary or deliberate, and the justifications that were marshaled in its defense made no sense either for him or for the United States. —Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 29 Apr. 2025 But the Kremlin is trying to restore momentum to its faltering assault on the fortress city of Pokrovsk—and marshalled a dozen armored vehicles including at least one modern T-90M tank. —David Axe, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
But after trackside marshals broke the passenger side door, the 24-year-old was able to exit the wreckage. —Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 Listen to this article A Connecticut man has been found guilty of assaulting and injuring a state judicial marshal, officials said. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for marshal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for marshal
  1. organize
  2. accompany
  3. arrange
  4. sheriff
  5. mobilize
  6. lead
  7. dispose
  8. inspector
Verb
  • The trophy parade was organized on a nationwide bank holiday, the day after Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy following the competition’s final round of matches on Sunday.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
  • The harvest was organized as a collaborative effort, with volunteers picking, sorting and packing the fruit, which was then distributed to clients of West Valley Community Services who are dealing with food insecurity.
    — Vidula Aiyer, Mercury News, 25 May 2025
Definition of organize
Verb
  • On Thursday morning, Ruth, a volunteer who asked not to be fully identified for fear of retaliation, accompanied an asylum seeker from Colombia to his court hearing — something volunteers have been doing for a long time to support migrants without legal representation.
    — Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Watch the accompanying video, directed by Scrub, below.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 23 May 2025
Definition of accompany
Verb
  • At Emery’s request, the club arranged a warm-weather camp in Dubai during the March international break, including a couple of friendlies against local teams.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Clinics often arrange hotel stays and local transfers.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Definition of arrange
Noun
  • The sheriff's office said that Florida residents who are experiencing abuse or know someone who is experiencing abuse can contact the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119.
    — Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • The grandmother was being held on a $160,000 bond, while her daughter was held on a $105,000 bond, according to the sheriff’s office.
    — Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Definition of sheriff
Verb
  • Veterans were unable to successfully mobilize to advocate for the pensions, given their small numbers and internal divisions between more privileged officers and less privileged soldiers.
    — Jamie Rowen, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • Led by Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, Indigenous communities have mobilized not just around identity, but around a structured, credible, and serious ballot.
    — Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Definition of mobilize
Verb
  • Co-owners Jessica and Nate White lead clients through every decision, ensuring that the finished space balances livability and sophistication.
    — Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2025
  • As adoption grows, the firms that will lead are those combining digital tools with practical insight, treating AI not as a cure-all solution, but as part of a broader strategy to improve performance, manage complexity, and build for the long run.
    — Angelica Krystle Donati, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of lead
Verb
  • Sustainability Tip To protect the stunning coastlines and vital coral reefs, visitors are reminded to dispose of their trash properly, avoid plastic whenever possible, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
    — Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2025
  • Ants and bees dispose of the deceased from their colonies, for instance, while fruit flies avoid corpses (and shun flies that have seen corpses themselves).
    — Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 23 May 2025
Definition of dispose
Noun
  • To Fisk's surprise, the veteran inspector suggests offering Richie immunity in exchange for him helping dismantle Harrigan's criminal empire.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 18 May 2025
  • Since then, its team of incognito inspectors have checked into thousands of hotels, dined at just as many restaurants, and experienced scores of spa treatments to bring you information on the very best places to stay, eat and relax around the world.
    — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Definition of inspector

Browse Nearby Words

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marshal
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Cite this Entry

“Marshal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marshal. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on marshal

Nglish: Translation of marshal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about marshal

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