Synonyms

arrange

American

[uh-reynj] / əˈreɪndʒ /

verb (used with object)

to place in proper, desired, or convenient order; adjust properly.

to arrange books on a shelf.

Synonyms:

classify, dispose, sort, group, array
to come to an agreement or understanding regarding.

The two sides arranged the sale of the property.
to prepare or plan.

to arrange the details of a meeting.
Music. to adapt (a composition) for a particular style of performance by voices or instruments.

verb (used without object)

to make plans or preparations.

They arranged for a conference on Wednesday.
to make a settlement; come to an agreement.

to arrange with the coal company for regular deliveries.

arrange British

/ əˈreɪndʒ /

verb

(tr) to put into a proper, systematic, or decorative order
(tr; may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to arrive at an agreement or understanding about; settle
to make plans or preparations in advance (for something)

we arranged for her to be met
(tr) to adapt (a musical composition) for performance in a different way, esp on different instruments
(tr) to adapt (a play, etc) for broadcasting
to come to an agreement

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Derived Forms

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Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

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Etymology

Origin of arrange

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English arayngen, from Middle French arangier; equivalent to a- ⁵ + range

Explanation

Think it might be fun to be a party planner? These highly organized people arrange everything from invitations to music, food, even the lighting in the room, meaning they put everything in order. At a concert, you look in your program to see what piece is next. There's a title, followed by the composer's name. Under that is another name, preceded by "arranged by." What does that mean? Every piece was originally written with a certain instrument or instruments in mind. In order for that music to be played by other instruments, it first has to be adapted, meaning someone has to arrange it. A symphony for kazoos? You can arrange that.

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Vocabulary lists containing arrange

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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.

Because Montenegro is small, tourists can combine a beach holiday, city break and outdoor pursuits, explains Jennifer Lynch, managing director of travel agency Arrange My Escape.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Arrange the sentences below in the appropriate order:

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026

Arrange these tiles in a precise pattern and you'll end up with a striking work of art.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024

Arrange items in groups of varying sizes, heights and textures to create visual interest.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 18, 2023

“Here’s what to do. Arrange to have Renault appear before The Vigils. Check up on the sale—get the totals, facts and figures.”

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023