arrange

verb

ar·​range ə-ˈrānj How to pronounce arrange (audio)
arranged; arranging
Synonyms of arrangenext

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
ə-ˈrān-jər How to pronounce arrange (audio)
noun

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for 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.

ordered her business affairs

arrange implies a setting in sequence, relationship, or adjustment.

arranged the files numerically

marshal suggests gathering and arranging in preparation for a particular operation or effective use.

marshaling the facts for argument

organize implies arranging so that the whole aggregate works as a unit with each element having a proper function.

organized the volunteers into teams

systematize implies arranging according to a predetermined scheme.

systematized billing procedures

methodize suggests imposing an orderly procedure rather than a fixed scheme.

methodizes every aspect of daily living

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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your task is to arrange them into four groups of four by figuring out the links between them. —Kris Holt, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 On these two albums, the highest priority is arranging the songs to best showcase the essence and flavor of their melodies. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024 Behind the scenes, Hastings arranged a deal, the lawsuit claims. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024 In February, Owens arranged a dinner to introduce Lumumba, the mayor, to the developers. —Bracey Harris, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for arrange 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English arengen "to draw up in ranks," borrowed from Anglo-French arenger (continental Old French arengier) "to draw up in ranks, put in proper order," from a-, prefix forming transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + rengier, ranger "to set in ranks," derivative of renc, ranc "line of soldiers, jousting lists, line or rank of persons or things" — more at rank entry 1

Note: Though appearing once as Middle English arengen, and in early Scots, the verb arrange is very rare in English literature before the late eighteenth century and is in effect a reborrowing of modern French arranger (the regular outcome of Old French arengier), to which it owes its current meanings.

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of arrange was in 1601

Phrases Containing arrange

Dictionary Entries Near arrange

arrand

arrange

arranged marriage

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Arrange.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrange. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

arrange

verb
ar·​range ə-ˈrānj How to pronounce arrange (audio)
arranged; arranging
1
: to put in order
especially : to put in a particular order
arrange books on shelves
2
: to make plans for
arrange a program
3
: to come to an agreement about : settle
arrange a time for the meeting
4
: to make a musical arrangement of
arranger noun

More from Merriam-Webster on arrange

Nglish: Translation of arrange for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of arrange for Arabic Speakers

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