SORT Synonyms: 242 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sort 1 of 2

noun

ˈsȯrt

Definition of sort next

as in kind

a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common I prefer jackets with zippers to the sort that close with buttons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in person

a member of the human race he's a decent sort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sort

2 of 2

verb

as in to travel

to come or be together as friends you should be careful about whom you sort with

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to correspond

to be in agreement on every point that doesn't sort with what you said the last time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type sorted the mail into bills to be paid and junk to be thrown out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

Bailey herself is a shape-shifter of sorts, right on the border between child and teenager in age and, with her androgynous looks, occupying an ambiguous place between genders as well. —

Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 In District 10, Batra, a former Intel and IBM executive, also faced a rematch of sorts as the City Council appointed him to the vacant seat in 2023 over several candidates, including Casey. —

Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024

Verb

Boxes of fresh produce, squash, potatoes, peppers and other items filled the floor and stacks of crates volunteers quickly unpacked and sorted them. —

Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 25 Oct. 2024 Parents can take time away to pick up children from daycare, what might have been an office coffee break previously becomes laundry sorting time, or commuting time is taken up with a 5k run instead of sitting in traffic. —

David Morel, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sort

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sort

Noun

Live music of a different kind provides the atmosphere at the award-winning Sola Jazz Lounge.

Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024
Not an obvious, overpowering kind—something much subtler, like a little cut that refuses to heal.

Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024