in order

comparative more in order · superlative most in order

1. In a sequence.

   Place the cards in order by color, then by number.

   Antonyms: out of order

2. Ready, prepared; orderly; tidy.

   I wish I could get my desk in order.

   2 more examples

   Some teachers find it hard to keep their classes in order.

   His material is in order for the presentation.

3. formalidiomaticIn accordance with the procedural rules governing formal meetings of a deliberative body.
4. idiomaticAppropriate, worthwhile.

   Now that we have finally finished, I think a celebration is in order.

comparative more in order · superlative most in order

1. idiomaticnot comparableEmphasizes that what follows immediately is the purpose of the preceding or the beyond.

   She stood in order to see over the crowd. / She stood to see over the crowd.

   1 more example

   In order to grant the rich these pleasures, the social contract is reconfigured. The welfare state is dismantled. […]

   2013 May 17, George Monbiot, “Money just makes the rich suffer”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 188, number 23, page 19

2. USidiomaticnot comparableEmphasizes that what follows immediately is the purpose of the preceding or the beyond.

   She stood in order for her husband to see her. / She stood for her husband to see her.

3. comparableIn sequence.

   They sang in order, ending with a basso profundo.

   Synonyms: step by step