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 steer
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

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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
Homan has threatened to marshal those forces to surge operations in New York City and other sanctuary jurisdictions, where immigrants generally face lower risk of arrest and deportation. — Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026 The king of Mycenae, Agamemnon marshals the leaders of several Greek kingdoms to wage war on Troy after the disappearance of his brother’s wife, Helen (Lupita Nyong’o). — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026
Noun
There were so many residents at the meeting, the fire marshal told some people to clear the aisles and the back of the room for safety reasons. — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026 The fire marshal said in a news release that a neighbor discovered the fire and alerted authorities. — Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for marshal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for marshal
  1. organize
  2. steer
  3. arrange
  4. sheriff
  5. mobilize
  6. guide
  7. classify
  8. inspector
Verb
  • The defense was organized and rebounded well from some early breakdowns on stretch running plays, and Petrino’s offense doesn’t look like the mess Freddie Kitchens’ group was last year.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In the Philippines, many time zones away from these major tournaments, fans organize watch parties for matches that often start after midnight.
    — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of organize
Verb
  • The team designed miniature boats with three cavities tuned to different audible frequencies, enabling them to steer the boat in a particular direction by changing the frequency of the sound waves from a speaker.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
  • However, an iceberg is sustained and steered by the 90% buried beneath the surface.
    — Natalie Grabher, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of steer
Verb
  • Still, each guest enjoys their secluded villa, private spa time, and a personal guide to arrange hiking and water excursions like snorkeling and surfing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Tafoya arranged for five blank checks paid as bribes by a marijuana firm to be cashed with the help of his brother and passed one $10,000 check on to marketer Chavez, according to the plea agreement.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of arrange
Noun
  • The Village Board voted to limit information collected from the cameras to be shared within Illinois only and retain data for only seven days, according to its agreement with the sheriff’s office.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In his request for additional funding, Soptic said not funding more sheriff’s office personnel at this point could present serious safety concerns, including for inmates and deputies at the county’s jail.
    — Sofi Zeman August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheriff
Verb
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wrote about working with Steinem to mobilize young voters, making public appearances at interviews and award ceremonies.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Additionally, almost 21,500 security personnel have been mobilized in attempts to speed up the search and rescue operations, with over 5,000 people receiving treatment for injuries, officials said.
    — Anna Bourke, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of mobilize
Verb
  • When the Sox were at Camden Yards in April, Tracy had to be guided to the manager’s office.
    — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Look at how competitors communicate their value, answer customer questions, appear in search, structure digital journeys and guide prospects toward conversion.
    — James Fratzke, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of guide
Verb
  • Back then, Pluto was classified as a full planet, but the discovery of 1992 QB-1, as well as Kuiper Belt objects even larger than Pluto found later, raised questions about Pluto's status.
    — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In some cases, LinkedIn says views of content classified as AI spam have decreased by as much as 40 percent.
    — Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of classify
Noun
  • As part of the inquiry, the mayor of Kenscoff and the police inspector in charge of the sprawling mountaintop rural district have been summoned for questioning.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Since the area is currently under the jurisdiction of the BLM, an inspector from the federal government could technically come to Eagle and render the land in the Foothills unsafe for public use.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of inspector

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marshal
marshaled
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Cite this Entry

“Marshal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marshal. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on marshal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about marshal

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