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.

---

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)

---

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 also supports other carers trying to negotiate the health and benefits system.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

We endeavor to encourage younger colleagues to negotiate their salaries but we must always show the value we bring to the table.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Van Alst said leaders in Portland, far more so than people buying a car through a subprime lender like Santander Consumer or Exeter, have options at their disposal as they negotiate for the Blazers’ future.

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

If you stood up to open the closet, you'd have to negotiate the desk so you wouldn't end up piled on the bed.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

Related Words

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