organize

verb

ˈȯr-gə-ˌnīz How to pronounce organize (audio)
Definition of organizenext
1
as in to arrange
to put into a particular arrangement carefully organized the hotel's silverware by pattern

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to plan
to work out the details of (something) in advance started organizing the anniversary party months in advance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb organize contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of organize are arrange, marshal, methodize, order, and systematize. While all these words mean "to put persons or things into their proper places in relation to each other," 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 can arrange be used instead of organize?

In some situations, the words arrange and organize are roughly equivalent. However, arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment.

arranged the files numerically

When could marshal be used to replace organize?

The synonyms marshal and organize are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 methodize instead of organize?

While the synonyms methodize and organize are close in meaning, methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme.

methodizes every aspect of daily living

Where would order be a reasonable alternative to organize?

The words order and organize can be used in similar contexts, but order suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion.

ordered her business affairs

When might systematize be a better fit than organize?

While in some cases nearly identical to organize, 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 organize 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 Its four interior pockets will keep items like your phone, keys, and wallet organized, and its foldover magnetic button closure will lock them up tight. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 24 May 2025 Two people have since been arrested over the plot, which was organized by users of digital platforms such as Discord. —Arthur Coelho Bezerra, The Conversation, 14 May 2025 More than a decade ago, Rand organized VFX artists to protest Canadian subsidies, which were luring thousands of jobs abroad while bankrupting U.S. VFX houses. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for organize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for organize
  1. arrange
  2. plan
  3. classify
  4. prepare
  5. order
  6. design
  7. calculate
  8. devise
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
Verb
  • In both mishaps, the upper stage, the vehicle where astronauts and cargo would ride, came apart mere minutes into its flight instead of landing as planned in the Indian Ocean.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Those who stayed were treated to an unexpected, magical celebration, especially the bride and groom, who had allowed the stress of wedding planning to be washed away.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of plan
Verb
  • Our writers picked a few obvious candidates (anytime Lamar Jackson-Patrick Mahomes clash in any year classifies as must-see).
    — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Based on double-occupancy stateroom bookings, groups typically need to have a minimum of five to eight cabins to be classified as a group.
    — Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Definition of classify
Verb
  • So each block has a director, and one block prepares and starts to shoot, then halfway [through] the other is prepping, and then starts to shoot.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Her 17-year-old is preparing for graduation while working as a lifeguard.
    — Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • As part of his administration’s campaign against DEI programs, Trump has also ordered federal agencies, including FERC, to stop considering environmental justice in decision-making.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
  • Showtime has ordered an eighth season of its drama The Chi, putting the show into rare company at the outlet.
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
Definition of order
Verb
  • The matching funds program is designed to put more weight on local campaign contributions by giving an 8-to-1 match for donations of up to $250 from city residents.
    — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
  • Certified through the Living Building Challenge, these are structures designed to not only reduce environmental impact but contribute positively to their surroundings.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • Despite the rise in dollar amounts, beneficiaries are seeing the value of these payments eroded by inflation and structural issues in how COLAs are calculated.
    — Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • Jackie Faherty Senior Research Scientist at the American Museum of Natural History Jackie Faherty is a senior research scientist at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in charge of calculating the exact timings for the Manhattanhenge phenomenon.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of calculate
Verb
  • Directors: Scout Purdy & Doug Purdy After a series of revelations, 15-year-old Joe devises a plan to cure her teen angst: a month-long pilgrimage filled with communication issues, terrible survival skills, and zero Wi-Fi—AKA a summer hiking trip with her father.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 May 2025
  • Cabinet secretaries were sidelined, and staff members devised elaborate strategies to avoid placing him in situations that might expose his decline.
    — Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
Definition of devise

Browse Nearby Words

organizations
organize
organized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Organize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/organize. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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