arrange

verb ar·range \ ə-ˈrānj \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: arrange in a Sentence

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.

—

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

Rather than arranging a ride home for the passenger, the arresting officer took the very intoxicated McMillan to a hotel.

— tom jackman, chicagotribune.com, "In police sexual misconduct case, Michigan woman sues officer she accused of assault," 13 July 2018
The two met after arranging the transaction through OfferUp, an online marketplace, authorities said.

— michael williams, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Deputies arrest suspect in shooting at UCF-area apartment," 13 July 2018
Rather than arranging a ride home for the passenger, the arresting officer took the very intoxicated McMillan to a hotel.

— tom jackman, Washington Post, "In police sexual misconduct case, Michigan woman sues officer she accused of assault," 13 July 2018
Forbes reported that the latest incident involving the chairman took place on a May call arranged between company executives and Laundry Service, a media agency, as a role-playing exercise for Schnatter to prevent future public relations missteps.

— bloomberg, latimes.com, "Papa John's Chairman John Schnatter quits after coming under fire for racial slur," 12 July 2018
Further messages recovered indicated that Baldwin Jr. had also arranged to retrieve about $700 in methamphetamine to sell.

— holly v. hays, Indianapolis Star, "Authorities charge 2 more men in death of Boone County Deputy Jacob Pickett," 11 July 2018
But when the Marthas suddenly—in a slightly irritating Deus Ex Machina way that doesn’t feel particularly earned—arrange for June to escape Gilead, Serena does the unthinkable and lets June take baby Nicole with her.

— emma dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 Finale Offers a Light in the Darkness," 11 July 2018
The area is bereft of lions and arranging for the services of a bear is difficult.

— walter reeves, ajc, "Rose black spot can be controlled," 11 July 2018
These meticulous facsimiles of her world are the art of someone drawn to detail and who wants things arranged just so.

— katherine fusco, The Atlantic, "Hereditary and the Monstrousness of Creative Moms," 11 July 2018

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 ¹rank

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1601

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

arrange Synonyms

Synonyms

array, classify, codify, dispose, draw up, lay out, marshal (also marshall), order, organize, range, systematize;

Antonyms

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

unscramble;

align (also aline), cue, line, line up, queue;

alphabetize, file, prioritize, sequence;

emplace, place, set;

display, map (out), set out;

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.