orchestrate

[ awr-kuh-streyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

, or·ches·trat·ed, or·ches·trat·ing.

1. to compose or arrange (music) for performance by an orchestra.
2. to arrange or manipulate, especially by means of clever or thorough planning or maneuvering:

   to orchestrate a profitable trade agreement.

orchestrate

/ ˈɔːkɪˌstreɪt /

verb

1. to score or arrange (a piece of music) for orchestra
2. to arrange, organize, or build up for special or maximum effect

Derived Forms

• ˈorchesˌtrator, noun
• ˌorchesˈtration, noun

Other Words From

• or·ches·tra·tion [awr-k, uh, -, strey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• or·ches·tra·tor or·ches·trat·er noun
• o·ver·or·ches·trate verb overorchestrated overorchestrating
• re·or·ches·trate verb reorchestrated reorchestrating
• un·or·ches·trat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of orchestrate¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from French orchestr(er) (derivative of orchestre orchestra ) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

She adopted the baseless belief an anonymous person called Q was revealing secrets about a child trafficking ring orchestrated by Democrats and global elites.

From Washington Post

Now, Odom is orchestrating double Oscar buzz for “One Night in Miami,” in which he plays soul music savant Sam Cooke and performs the original song “Speak Now,” co-written by him and Sam Ashworth.

From Washington Post

Evidence growing that fascist ANTIFA orchestrated Capitol attack with clever mob control tactics.

From Washington Post

That crew played together during the final seven minutes late last month against Purdue, when the Terps nearly orchestrated a comeback win.

From Washington Post

The sale was orchestrated by two priests who each served as president of the university in turn.

From Washington Post

But that has not prevented the Kremlin from attempting to orchestrate its own narrative of events.

From The Daily Beast

Know and select the right instruments of statecraft and orchestrate them to maximum effect.

From The Daily Beast

As if they were all getting together to orchestrate the musical chairs.

From The Daily Beast

Taj helped orchestrate the coup that ousted Sharif and put Musharraf in power.

From The Daily Beast

And he worked to orchestrate more effective collaboration between the military and the intelligence community.

From The Daily Beast

He opined that Wagner did not know how to compose nor how to orchestrate; he found the music lacking in warmth.

From Project Gutenberg

My work with Rimsky-Korsakov consisted of his giving me pieces of classical music to orchestrate.

From Project Gutenberg

We agreed that I should orchestrate two parts of the opera and write the final chorus, while he undertook the rest.

From Project Gutenberg

True, there remained three acts to compose and orchestrate—but what was that to a Richard Wagner!

From Project Gutenberg

I composed the opera with pleasure and self-oblivion; I shall orchestrate with delight; but to make an arrangement!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arrange
• coordinate
• manage
• set up