verb

negotiate

/nɪˈɡoʊʃieɪt/ · say it: nih·GOH·shee·ayt

to reach agreement through discussion

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (verb) to discuss and try to reach an agreement with someone about something

2. (verb) to successfully deal with or get past a difficult situation or place

Examples

The two countries are negotiating a peace treaty.
She carefully negotiated the narrow mountain road.

How to use negotiate

Negotiate is used when parties engage in discussion to reach mutual agreement, often implying give-and-take and compromise. It can also mean to successfully handle or navigate a challenging situation or obstacle. The word carries a neutral to formal tone and is common in business, diplomacy, and everyday contexts.

Common phrases

negotiate a deal
negotiate with someone
negotiate terms
negotiate a settlement
negotiate a contract
negotiate one's way through

Synonyms

bargain · haggle · confer · parley · navigate

Opposites

demand · dictate

Word family

negotiation (noun) · negotiator (noun) · negotiable (adjective) · negotiating (present participle)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse negotiate with 'negotiate for' (to bargain in order to obtain) and 'negotiate with' (to discuss with another party); both are correct, but the distinction in meaning is subtle.

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