echelon

noun

ˈe-shə-ˌlän How to pronounce echelon (audio)
Definition of echelonnext
as in level
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement jobs in the upper echelons of the company pay quite well indeed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 echelon King wanted Rose to take himself and Chicago all the way to the top, back to the upper echelon of the NBA. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 The film catapulted Sara and her costars — Matthew Broderick, Alan Tuck, and Jennifer Grey — to new echelons of fame. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026 When Barack Obama won the presidency in 2008, the new first lady could have easily summoned a design from fashion’s upper echelons for her inaugural gown. — Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 Their proof would become the signature result of Tao’s early career, contributing to his winning the Fields Medal in 2006, and propelling him to the upper echelons of mathematics. — Quanta Magazine, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for echelon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for echelon
  1. level
  2. ranking
  3. rank
  4. position
  5. place
Noun
  • The acknowledgment reflects an unusual level of cooperation between Washington and Caracas despite years of intense political confrontation.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Temperatures in a vehicle, especially one sitting on hot, sunny pavement, can quickly heat up to dangerous levels that can lead to heat stroke and death.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of level
Noun
  • The Westchester suburb of Rye dropped to third in the annual ranking, with an income of $428,806.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Monday, Forbes published its second-ever ranking of America’s Decabillionaire families, featuring 54 multi-generational clans worth at least $10 billion apiece.
    — Matt Durot, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of ranking
Noun
  • Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin rank among the states with the most jackpot-winning tickets.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Over the next couple of decades, Saez advanced through the ranks of the bank and played a key role in integrating systems when SunTrust merged with BB&T in 2019 to form Truist Bank.
    — Kelly Yamanouchi, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of rank
Noun
  • Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Hipparcos was the first space mission devoted to precision astrometry, the accurate measurement of celestial positions and distances.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of position
Noun
  • At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still one of the most popular athletes in the world and even if his presence on the Portuguese national team is cause for international debate, a player like Folarin Balogun has no place in any paragraph with Ronaldo.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • The reason grocery prices seem all over the place is because every food product and industry is different.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Definition of place

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echelon
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Cite this Entry

“Echelon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/echelon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on echelon

Nglish: Translation of echelon for Spanish Speakers

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