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to negotiate

to negotiate

801 3.7
Try to reach an agreement by talking, often about business terms
  • verb
  • /nɪˈɡoʊʃieɪt/
  • Formal
translation icon : negociar
  • Landlords were willing to negotiate better deals with us.
  • negotiate an agreement
  • negotiate a settlement
  • negotiate a treaty

We need I need you to help negotiate with Castro.

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Examples

  • I picked my own lawyers and we began to negotiate my deal.

  • You get what you negotiate, not what you deserve.

  • Right now, we're negotiating with the Chinese.

  • We're in the middle of negotiating.

  • Compromise is much easier to find when people negotiate from key interests rather than rigid positions.

    Academic text (2011)
  • They've asked me to negotiate a peace treaty.

  • As the meeting began, European leaders were desperately trying to negotiate an arrangement to keep currencies stable.

    Academic text (2011)
  • There is frequent talk of the need to negotiate a deal with the ideologically driven insurgents.

    Academic text (2012)
  • At the inception of an agreement, both parties can negotiate and define virtually all the pertinent terms.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The two countries are set to negotiate terms for a new trade agreement next week.

Synonyms

to bargain
vsto negotiate
103 2.4

To discuss the price or terms to get a better deal

is a formal discussion that applies beyond price or simple deals
to haggle
vsto negotiate
26 3.3

To argue about the price to try to pay less

is a formal discussion process not limited to persistent price arguing
to hammer out
vsto negotiate
23 4.2

To talk about something in detail until people reach an agreement

describes formal discussion but without the strong forceful tone
to hash out
vsto negotiate
  • Informal
20 4.6

Talk about details carefully to reach an agreement

is a formal process that can include but is not limited to detail work
to talk turkey
vsto negotiate
  • Informal
6 7.0

Discuss important matters directly to reach an agreement

is the formal negotiating process that may be less blunt in tone
to treat
vsto negotiate
  • Archaic
5 9.9

To negotiate formally with another group to reach agreement

is the modern neutral term for formal discussions in business or politics
to parley
vsto negotiate
  • Archaic
3 8.6

To hold a discussion between opposing sides to try to make an agreement or peace

covers formal talks generally, not only between opponents seeking peace
to dicker
vsto negotiate
  • US
3 8.4

To bargain about a price before buying something

is a formal agreement process used in business or political contexts
to thrash out
vsto negotiate
  • Informal
2 5.3

To discuss a problem carefully to reach a solution or agreement

is broader formal discussion often used in official business or politics
to horse-trade
vsto negotiate
  • Informal
1 7.3

To make a deal by talking in a tough, smart way

is a more neutral formal process without emphasis on shrewd tactics
to hash out a deal
vsto negotiate
  • Informal
4.9

To discuss the details of an agreement until both sides agree

is the general formal process of reaching agreement beyond just deal details
5.7

Talk about things fully to reach an agreement when people disagree

is broader and includes many types of formal agreement making

Antonyms

716 1.7

To say no to a request or offer

How Formal

to arbitrate
5 6.9
to mediate
32 5.1
to negotiate
  • Formal
801 3.7
to discuss
1.6
to bargain
103 2.4
to chat
  • Informal
269 1.0

Surface Forms

negotiate infinitive
negotiated past
negotiated past participle
negotiating present participle
negotiates third person singular

Etymology

Negotiate comes from the Latin parts ne- 'not' and otium 'leisure', giving the idea of 'business' or active work. So to negotiate an agreement is to 'do the business' of talking and making a deal between people or companies.