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Definitions

orderly

[awr-der-lee] / ˈɔr dər li /
ADJECTIVE
methodical, organized
Synonyms
STRONGEST
businesslike formal neat precise regulated scientific systematic thorough tidy
STRONG
clean regular trim uniform
WEAK
alike all together arranged careful conventional correct exact fixed framed in apple-pie order in good shape in order in shape methodic neat as button neat as pin set-up shipshape spick-and-span systematized to rights together uncluttered
Antonyms
STRONGEST
chaotic confused disorderly disorganized sloppy slovenly
STRONG
changing inconsistent rough
WEAK
complicated misbehaving unmethodical unruly unsystematic untidy
ADJECTIVE
well-behaved
Synonyms
STRONGEST
calm disciplined law-abiding manageable nonviolent quiet restrained tranquil
WEAK
at peace controlled decorous docile obedient peaceable submissive well-mannered
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agitated loud noisy turbulent violent wild
WEAK
bad complicated disorderly disorganized misbehaving unmethodical unruly unsystematic untidy

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.

Yet Monday’s pullback has been orderly and modest, he told MarketWatch, and “investors are still expecting the broader trend to be de-escalation.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

In water, minerals typically grow as atoms attach in an orderly way to the surface of a crystal.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

One of his students even crashes with him for a time, echoing Jimmy’s blurred lines between orderly professionalism and invasive shows of caring.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

The outer perimeter parking lots seemed orderly when a Wall Street Journal reporter recently visited.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

When it was time for recess Hazel got up slowly and carefully put on her outdoor things and filed out in an orderly fashion with the rest of her class.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu

Vocabulary lists containing orderly

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

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"A Soldier for the Crown," Vocabulary from the short story

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Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 1)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!