What does "sequence" mean?
A set of things next to each other in a set order; a series.
Sequence
/ˈsiːkwəns/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A set of things next to each other in a set order; a series.
- Grammar: sequence is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: series, succession, aftereffect, afterlife.
- Useful contrasts: bag, frames, grab.
- Usage evidence: A miserable sequence of defeats discouraged us.
How to use "sequence"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sequence" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sequence" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sequence" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sequence" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sequence" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "series" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "sequence", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A set of things next to each other in a set order; a series. countable, uncountable
"An alphabet follows a sequence."
- 2 the action of following in order wordnet
- 3 The state of being sequent or following; order of succession. uncountable
"Complete the listed tasks in sequence."
- 4 film consisting of a succession of related shots that develop a given subject in a movie wordnet
- 5 A series of musical phrases where a theme or melody is repeated, with some change each time, such as in pitch or length (example: opening of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony). countable, uncountable
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 a following of one thing after another in time wordnet
- 7 A musical composition used in some Catholic Masses between the readings. The most famous sequence is the Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) formerly used in funeral services. countable, uncountable
- 8 several repetitions of a melodic phrase in different keys wordnet
- 9 An ordered list of objects, typically indexed with natural numbers. countable, uncountable
- 10 serial arrangement in which things follow in logical order or a recurrent pattern wordnet
- 11 A subsequent event; a consequence or result. archaic, countable, uncountable
"he found no words to convey the impressions he had received; then he gave way to the anger always the sequence of the antagonism of opinion between them."
- 12 A series of shots that depict a single action or style in a film, television show, or other video medium. countable, uncountable
"What follows is a bunch of nonstop goofery involving chase sequences, dream sequences, fast-changing costumes and an improbable beard, a little musical help from Flight Of The Conchords, and ultimately a very physical confrontation with a surprisingly spry Victoria."
- 13 A meld consisting of three or more cards of successive ranks in the same suit, such as the four, five and six of hearts. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To arrange (something) in an order. transitive
"We sequenced the code to keep it organised."
- 2 arrange in a sequence wordnet
- 3 To determine the order of monomers in (a biological polymer), e.g. of amino acids in (a protein), or of bases in (a nucleic acid). transitive
- 4 determine the order of constituents in wordnet
- 5 To produce (music) with a sequencer. transitive
Show 1 more definition
- 6 To proceed through a sequence or series of things. intransitive, uncommon
"Children start to make meanings and connections as soon as they encounter the book. This starts with the initial analyses and inferences they make when they see the book cover and continues as they sequence through the interior illustrations."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"A miserable sequence of defeats discouraged us."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sequence"?
Common synonyms include: series, succession, aftereffect, afterlife, aftermath, algorithm output.
How do you use "sequence" in a sentence?
A miserable sequence of defeats discouraged us.
How do you pronounce "sequence"?
Pronounced /ˈsiːkwəns/.
Etymology
From Middle English sequence, from Old French sequence (“a sequence of cards, answering verses”), from Late Latin sequentia (“a following”), from Latin sequēns (“following”), from sequī (“to follow”); see sequent.