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

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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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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
According to Brennan, the most troublesome law enforcement officers were 5,000 men deputized by the U.S. marshal. —Robert Loerzel, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 The fire marshal regulates oil and gas pipelines across the state and must approve the pipelines’ full restart, which is key to the company’s commercial success. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Noun
Whether Waller will be able to marshal much support for his position is unclear. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 20 June 2025 As a result of a global economic slowdown, communication agencies are getting savvy in how to marshal their resources. —Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 9 June 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
  • Cort was also the senior class vice president, active with the volleyball and tennis teams and helped organize other school events.
    — Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025
  • The local hospitality workers’ union, Unite Here Local 49, had organized residents of the two apartment complexes that have opened in the Railyards over the past year — The A.J. and The Wong Center.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of organize
Verb
  • The black paint on accompanying bicycle pumps also exceeded federal lead limits for paint.
    — MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • He was accompanied on his visit by Texas Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, members of his Cabinet and other Texas lawmakers.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 July 2025
Definition of accompany
Verb
  • Horowitz spent decades arranging for Sondheim’s archives to come to the Library of Congress.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025
  • The controversy comes at a time the United States is trying to arrange a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
    — Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Definition of arrange
Noun
  • Rescuers from several agencies subsequently responded to the scene and proceeded to search for Figueiredo, whose body was found and recovered from the reservoir at about 9:30 p.m., according to the sheriff's office.
    — Emily Mae Czachor July 15, CBS News, 15 July 2025
  • Stanley remains in custody, with a bond set to $450,000, the sheriff's office said.
    — Megan Forrester, ABC News, 15 July 2025
Definition of sheriff
Verb
  • An additional 2,000 National Guard members were later mobilized for the mission in Los Angeles.
    — Luis Martinez, ABC News, 15 July 2025
  • Topline Congress appears to have backed off of deeper slashes to next year’s National Park Service budget, as advocacy groups mobilize public support through grassroots campaigns.
    — Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of mobilize
Verb
  • Going into the All-Star break, Judge is leading the majors with a .355 batting average and an OPS of 1.194.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025
  • Networking Without the Pressure Rather than leading new introductions with pitches and business cards, relationship-first networking creates room for real conversations.
    — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of lead
Verb
  • The evaluation takes in the full lifecycle of the product and analyses everything from ingredient sourcing and packaging materials to how it’s used and disposed of by the consumer.
    — Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Critics say the city’s decision to buy 750,000 new cans and dispose of 950,000 existing cans is bad for the environment and helped drive up the $43.60 monthly fee the city began charging customers July 1.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
Definition of dispose
Noun
  • The loss of experienced investigators and cuts to support staff have also hamstrung other inspectors.
    — Victoria Malis, ProPublica, 7 July 2025
  • At that time, the health inspector may close a food establishment at their discretion.
    — Paris Goodman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2025
Definition of inspector

Browse Nearby Words

marsh
marshal
marshaled
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“Marshal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marshal. Accessed 21 Jul. 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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