negotiate

American  

[ni-goh-shee-eyt] / nɪˈgoʊ ʃiˌeɪt /

verb (used without object)

negotiated, negotiating

1. to deal or bargain with another or others, as in the preparation of a treaty or contract or in preliminaries to a business deal.

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verb (used with object)

negotiated, negotiating

1. to arrange for or bring about by discussion and settlement of terms.

   to negotiate a loan.

2. to manage; transact; conduct.

   He negotiated an important business deal.

3. to move through, around, or over in a satisfactory manner.

   to negotiate a difficult dance step without tripping: to negotiate sharp curves.

4. to transfer (a draft, promissory note, etc.) to a new owner by endorsement and delivery or by delivery.

   Synonyms:

   transmit, convey

negotiate British  

/ nɪˈɡəʊʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to work or talk (with others) to achieve (a transaction, an agreement, etc)

2. (tr) to succeed in passing through, around, or over

   to negotiate a mountain pass

3. (tr) finance

   1. to transfer (a negotiable commercial paper) by endorsement to another in return for value received

   2. to sell (financial assets)

   3. to arrange for (a loan)

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Other Word Forms

• negotiator noun
• prenegotiate verb
• unnegotiated adjective
• well-negotiated adjective

Etymology

Origin of negotiate

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin negōtiātus “traded,” past participle of negōtiārī “to do business, trade,” verb derivative of negōtium “business,” from nec, neg- “not” ( neglect ( def. ) ) + ōtium “leisure”

Example Sentences

She tried unsuccessfully to win amendments that would require the state to negotiate a private investment and revenue sharing with the Blazers.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

The company had been seeking to negotiate guarantees into its contract that the military wouldn’t use its AI models for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Before you make a decision, you can try to negotiate your homeowner’s insurance, both to reduce premiums before a claim and to improve settlements after a loss.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 28, 2026

"Legally, it is a huge mountain that cannot be climbed, but that doesn't mean that the parties involved shouldn't sit down and negotiate," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

One must negotiate this passage as nobly as possible, for the sake of those who are coming after us.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

Related Words

• agree
• arrange
• confer
• consult
• debate
• haggle
• handle
• mediate
• settle
• work out