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Definition of sortnext

sort

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sort distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sort are character, description, kind, nature, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can character take the place of sort?

While the synonyms character and sort are close in meaning, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When is it sensible to use description instead of sort?

The words description and sort can be used in similar contexts, but description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might kind be a better fit than sort?

The synonyms kind and sort are sometimes interchangeable, but kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When could nature be used to replace sort?

While in some cases nearly identical to sort, nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When is type a more appropriate choice than sort?

In some situations, the words type and sort are roughly equivalent. However, type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

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 sort
Noun
The 33-year-old musician, who first rose to fame through her role as the titular superstar in Hannah Montana, has been on a hiatus of sorts from acting, with her last major role coming in a 2019 Black Mirror episode. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 Dellandrea is having a bounce-back season of sorts for the Sharks. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
The agency's 10-year reorganization plan includes an overhaul of its regional transportation system, reducing the number of USPS vehicle trips for transporting mail from post offices to processing plants, where mail is postmarked, sorted and routed. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026 Use the scroll bar at the bottom to move the data over to the right to sort by highest to lowest. Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sort
Noun
  • Two identical spacecraft will orbit in formation to provide a first-of-its-kind 3D view of Mars' magnetosphere and upper atmosphere.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Vacheron Constantin, for example, embarked on an ambitious project to fully remake its original American 1921 watch using the tools and techniques from the era in a one-of-a-kind piece.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Earlier that evening, Garden Grove police had been contacted by the Santa Ana Police Department, which was investigating a possible missing-person case after the woman failed to report to work, police said.
    Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The occasional person on a walk or shopper at one of the barely dozen stores still open, but the sound inside the mall is mostly just silence.
    Tori Apodaca, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The department classifies Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger under its highest Level 4 advisory, warning Americans about issues of terrorism, crime, kidnapping, and more.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Those only include what the police classify as murders or non-negligent manslaughter.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The slim design makes this perfect for travelling, with easy stowing in suitcases or backpacks.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Despite the losses, Damon traveled to Texas and won the national title, dedicating the victory to his family and supporters.
    Nina Burns, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even prior to the coup, the system was set up such that all proceeds from sales by state-enterprises like MTE were deposited into the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank’s roughly 50 accounts in corresponding banks across the world.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The series tends to correspond more with how most historical accounts view Guiteau, understanding him through the lens of mental illness.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Wouldn’t be surprised if a few cheerleaders and equipment guys are looking to leave, too.
    Mac Engel January 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The guy in the back seat with me was just, like, trying to strike up small talk.
    Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Joseph’s most recent work in Denver, however, happens to be some of the most impressive as the unit ranked second in total defense, third in scoring and in the top-ten against both the run and pass.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The top three were ranked good, better, and best after the coach's signature catchphrase.
    Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This includes an examination of the kinds of brands and celebrities JOLLY looks to associate with, the best platforms to reach their audience and even the lengths of videos.
    Yahya Salem, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • That means associating positive memories with new spaces.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sort. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sort

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