in order
Idioms-
In proper sequence or arrangement, as in The children lined up in order of size , or Are the letters all in order? [c. 1400]
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Suitable, correct, appropriate, as in A few words on this subject are in order now . [Mid-1800s]
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See in short order .
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in order that . So that, to the end or purpose that, as in In order that Bob can meet my husband, we've come early . [Early 1700s]
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in order to . For the purpose of, as a means to, as in We'll have to hire more help in order to finish on time . This usage always precedes a verb, such as finish in the example. [c. 1700]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Asked about those reports in Ottawa, and whether Canada should offer concessions in order to persuade the US to talk, Carney said "no."
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
On Wednesday prosecutors said Plahotniuc had used "his influence in the public, political, financial and criminal environments" to allegedly coordinate "a network... in order to obtain illicit benefits".
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
One would think, in order to rise to the level of a Supreme Court justice, it would behoove a person to be fond of a rigorous debate.
From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026
“We see this purely as a tactical step by UniCredit in order to overcome the 30% cliff-edge and provide more flexibility to now increase the stake in the open market,” analysts write.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
The big question is how will this Gorringe man lower Cleo to the ground safely in order to take it away?
From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
