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Synonyms

bargaining chip

American  

noun

  1. something, as a concession or inducement, that can be used in negotiating.

Etymology

Origin of bargaining chip

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Now it's no longer going to be able to use Lebanon as a bargaining chip."

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The Justice Department called the statement “strongarming,” but Powell’s legal counsel disputed the characterization, saying his resignation was never meant to be used as a bargaining chip.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

But in a statement, the MPs and peers targeted said they did not want to be "used as a bargaining chip" and would rather remain sanctioned.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

But he didn’t mince words in describing how airlines became a bargaining chip during the shutdown negotiations.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 12, 2025

“I won’t have that kind of bargaining chip in your possession.”

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.