sequence
14 synonyms and 1 antonyms for sequence, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A set of things arranged in a particular order, one after another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use sequence
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French sequence, from Late Latin sequentia, "a following," from Latin sequī, "to follow."
Full origin of sequence →Frequently asked questions
What does “sequence” mean?
The word “sequence” means a set of things arranged in a particular order, one after another. In plain terms, a number of things happening or arranged one after another, in a set order.
How do you pronounce “sequence”?
“Sequence” is pronounced SEE-kwuhns (/ˈsi.kwəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “sequence” in a sentence?
Here is “sequence” used in a sentence: “Follow the sequence of steps carefully when assembling the shelf.”
What is another word for “sequence”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sequence” include array, chain, procession, consecution, series and string.
What is the opposite of “sequence”?
The opposite of “sequence” — its antonyms — is hodgepodge.
What part of speech is “sequence”?
Depending on how it is used, “sequence” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “sequence” come from?
The word “sequence” comes from Late Latin. From Old French sequence, from Late Latin sequentia, "a following," from Latin sequī, "to follow.".
Is “sequence” a common word?
“Sequence” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a "sequence" and a "series"?
A sequence stresses that things follow one another in a particular, fixed order, one after another. A series simply refers to a number of related things or events grouped together; in mathematics, a sequence is an ordered list of terms, whereas a series is the sum of those terms.
When should you use "sequence" instead of "order"?
Use "sequence" when you mean the actual succession of items following one another, and "order" when you mean the principle or arrangement governing them. A sequence is the concrete run of items itself, while "order" can also mean tidiness or a command.
What prepositions are commonly used with "sequence"?
"Sequence" most often pairs with "of," as in "a sequence of events," and with "in," as in "arranged in sequence." To do something "out of sequence" means to do it in the wrong order.