orchestrate

[awr-kuh-streyt]

verb (used with or without object)

orchestrated, orchestrating 

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

Other Word Forms

• orchestrator noun
• orchestration noun
• orchestrater noun
• overorchestrate verb
• reorchestrate verb
• unorchestrated 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

Last year, the California attorney general’s office won indictments against 30 officers who either orchestrated or allowed youths to engage in “gladiator fights.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Riley relies heavily on the center to help orchestrate his offense.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Budapest has dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign orchestrated by foreign intelligence services.

Read more on Barron's

In an email, she adds that “this has been orchestrated by a Muslim-Far Left alliance with now almost daily street demonstrations that feature chants to destroy Israel, kill Jews and ‘globalize the intifada.’

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In 1963-64, the Kennedy-Johnson administration also orchestrated an elaborate initiative to monitor hostile right-wing radio broadcasters through an offshoot of the Democratic National Committee.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• arrange 
• coordinate 
• manage 
• set up