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Showing results for social structure. Search instead for schichtstrukturen.
Definitions

social structure

[soh-shuhl struhk-cher] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl ˈstrʌk tʃər /
NOUN
pecking order
Synonyms
STRONGEST
food chain hierarchy power structure
WEAK
chain of command class structure corporate ladder dominance due order echelons grouping line of dominance order placing position ranking scale social hierarchy social ladder social pyramid social stratification

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This unexpected result raises new questions about why the behavior occurs and how it might influence group relationships and social structure.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

The law stipulates that under the "right to self-identity", settlements are entitled to protect and preserve their "social structure".

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

Armajani’s unusual earthwork joined in: Embracing a legal, bureaucratic form, he pointed to land as a decidedly social structure.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

As we sat down on the ground to put them at ease, he said that these animals have a very complex social structure.

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2025

The culture of possibility that Daisy Ford embraced and put to use so brilliantly on behalf of her daughters was passed on to her by the peculiarities of the West Indian social structure.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.