sort
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for sort, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A particular type or kind of something.
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.
How to use sort
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French sorte ("class, kind"), from Latin sors ("lot, fate, share, category").
Full origin of sort →Frequently asked questions
What does “sort” mean?
The word “sort” means a particular type or kind of something. In plain terms, either a category/type of thing, or the act of arranging things in order.
How do you pronounce “sort”?
“Sort” is pronounced sawt (/soɹt/ in IPA).
How do you use “sort” in a sentence?
Here is “sort” used in a sentence: “What sort of music do you like?”
What is another word for “sort”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sort” include character, individual, person and type.
What part of speech is “sort”?
Depending on how it is used, “sort” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “sort” come from?
The word “sort” comes from Latin. From Old French sorte ("class, kind"), from Latin sors ("lot, fate, share, category").
Is “sort” a common word?
“Sort” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “sort” have?
“Sort” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a particular type or kind of something.
What is the difference between sort, type, and kind?
All three mean a category of thing and are usually interchangeable in everyday speech — 'what sort of music', 'what type of music', 'what kind of music' all work. Type can sound slightly more technical or precise, while sort and kind feel more casual and conversational. The differences are mostly in tone, not meaning.
What is the difference between sort and category?
Sort and category both group things by shared features, but category is more formal and systematic, often used for defined classes in lists, shops, or research. Sort is more casual and everyday. You might file items under a category, but ask what sort of thing someone means in ordinary conversation.
What is an example of sort used in a sentence?
You might say, 'What sort of car are you looking for?' — asking about the type or kind. Other examples include 'he's the sort of person you can trust' or 'they sell all sorts of sweets.' In each, sort refers to a category or class of thing rather than a single item.