arrange

play

verb ar·range \ ə-ˈrānj \

Definition of arrange

arranged; arranging

transitive verb

1 :to put into a proper order or into a correct or suitable sequence, relationship, or adjustment

arrange flowers in a vase

arrange cards alphabetically

2 :to make preparations for :plan

arranged a reception for the visitor

3 a :to adapt (a musical composition) by scoring for voices or instruments other than those for which originally written

b :orchestrate

4 :to bring about an agreement or understanding concerning :settle

arrange an exchange of war prisoners

intransitive verb

1 :to bring about an agreement or understanding

She arranged to have a table at the restaurant.

2 :to make preparations :plan

He arranged for a vacation with his family.

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arranger

play \ə-ˈrān-jər\ noun

See arrange defined for English-language learners

See arrange defined for kids

Examples of arrange in a Sentence

She arranged her pictures on her desk.
He arranged some fresh fruit neatly on a plate.
arranging flowers in a vase
We arranged and rearranged the order several times.
She arranged her hair on top of her head.
Please arrange a meeting with your partners.
I think we can arrange a deal.
Let's arrange our schedules so that we can meet for lunch.
You'll need to arrange transportation from the airport.
He arranged her last two albums.

Recent Examples of arrange from the Web

Surely something can be arranged to help pay employees even though there will be no game, to refund tickets and to make sure the Astros don’t lose a ton of money.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "Rangers Reaction: Houston needs help with Harvey, not baseball," 27 Aug. 2017
For more information or to arrange for large donations, contact Held at 301-776-2354.

— melanie dzwonchyk, Laurel Leader, "Friends of the Laurel Library to gather donations for September book sale," 16 Aug. 2017
But Cersei already knows that Bronn arranged the meeting.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 5: 18 Things to Know About "Eastwatch"," 14 Aug. 2017
As of 2013 there were almost 500,000 Americans on dialysis, arranging their lives around thrice-weekly treatments, some waiting years for transplants that may never come.

— andy marso, kansascity, "Dialysis delays: Kansas clinics sit unused for years awaiting state inspections," 5 Aug. 2017
Smear 2 tablespoons chocolate whipped cream on the bottom of a flat platter and arrange 6 crackers on top to make a rectangle.

— christina tosi, Woman's Day, "Compost Cookie Icebox Cake," 4 Aug. 2017
Vance Spath, similarly abated the proceedings until the Pentagon arranged the $300 boat ride.

— carol rosenberg, miamiherald, "Guantánamo judge unfreezes Sept. 11 trial," 2 Aug. 2017
What better illustration of outsider-dom and moral superiority than a character standing to one side grimly observing the mother of the bride arrange the expensive and wrong flowers in anxious sprays.

— rosa lyster, The Cut, "Why Weddings in Books Are Always Terrible," 20 July 2017
The Chinese government arranged a funeral ceremony for Liu Xiaobo, a Nobel peace-prize winner who died of liver cancer while serving an 11-year sentence for subversion.

— The Economist, "Politics this week," 20 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'arrange.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of arrange

Middle English arangen, from Middle French arenger, from a- + renger to set in ranks, from renc, ranc row — more at rank

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1601

See Words from the same year

arrange Synonyms

Synonyms

agree (on), decide, fix, set, settle, dispose of

Antonyms

derange, disarrange, disarray, disorder, mess (up), muss (up), rumple, upset

Related Words

contract, pledge, promise; blueprint, calculate, chart, concert, design, draft, frame, hammer out, intrigue, lay out, maneuver, map (out), plan, program (also programme), schematize, scheme, shape, square away, work out; choose, conclude, determine, figure, opt, resolve; affirm, approve, authorize, clear, confirm, OK (or okay), sanction, warrant; close, complete, end, finalize, finish, round (off or out), wind up, wrap up; bargain, chaffer, deal, dicker, haggle, horse-trade, negotiate

Near Antonyms

abort, call, call off, drop, recall, repeal, rescind, revoke; differ (over), disagree (with); counter, debate, object, oppose, protest, resist; contest, dispute

Synonym Discussion of arrange

order, arrange, marshal, organize, systematize, methodize mean to put persons or things into their proper places in relation to each other. order suggests a straightening out so as to eliminate confusion.