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” ( cf. neglect ( def. )) + ōtium “leisure”

Explanation

To negotiate is to try to work out an agreement between parties that each want something out of the deal. You might negotiate with your mom — offering to do more chores for a raise in your allowance. Good luck. Negotiation is all about give and take. Governments are always negotiating with unions, trying to define the terms of new contracts. The government might offer the teachers union a raise, if they agree to work 200 days a year instead of 180. The verb negotiate can also mean to successfully pass through or travel along. You may have to negotiate a hazardous road, or a tricky path through sticker bushes.

Example Sentences

French President Emmanuel Macron said he would speak with Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian later Tuesday, as world leaders pressure Iran to negotiate an end to the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

In a proposal submitted last weekend, it said it would only negotiate on its nuclear file when all other issues around the strait and the end of the war were locked in.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

There is no date set for the City Council to decide whether to concur, or to direct the city executives to negotiate a resolution.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

However, he revealed that his party would be willing to negotiate budget deals with the SNP, having backed the previous two Scottish government tax and spending bills in return for concessions.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Sometimes the two men were able to work together, as when Hobamok and Tisquantum helped the Pilgrims negotiate a treaty with the Massachusett to the north.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

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