compromise

[ kom-pruh-mahyz ]

/ ˈkɒm prəˌmaɪz /

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See synonyms for: compromise / compromised / compromises / compromising on Thesaurus.com

noun

a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.

the result of such a settlement.

something intermediate between different things: The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house.

an endangering, especially of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: a compromise of one's integrity.

verb (used with object), com·pro·mised, com·pro·mis·ing.

to settle by a compromise.

to expose or make vulnerable to danger, suspicion, scandal, etc.; jeopardize: a military oversight that compromised the nation's defenses.

Obsolete.

to bind by bargain or agreement.
to bring to terms.

verb (used without object), com·pro·mised, com·pro·mis·ing.

to make a compromise or compromises: The conflicting parties agreed to compromise.

to make a dishonorable or shameful concession: He is too honorable to compromise with his principles.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of compromise

1400–50; late Middle English <Anglo-French compromisse,Middle French compromis<Latin comprōmissum.See com-, promise

OTHER WORDS FROM compromise

com·pro·mis·er, nouncom·pro·mis·ing·ly, adverbcom·prom·is·sa·ry

[kom-prom-uh-ser-ee], /kɒmˈprɒm əˌsɛr i/, adjectivenon·com·pro·mis·ing, adjective

pro·com·pro·mise, adjectivequa·si-com·pro·mis·ing, adjectivequa·si-com·pro·mis·ing·ly, adverb

Words nearby compromise

comprimario, comprise, comprised, comprize, compromis, compromise, compromised, compromise joint, Compromise of 1850, compromise rail, compsognathus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use compromise in a sentence

I worry that the compromise is going to be this jumbled-together mess of a bill that does not make any sense.
Twenty-Six Words Created the Internet. What Will It Take to Save It?|Stephen Engelberg|February 9, 2021|ProPublica
She got a major vacation rental platform and the hotel workers union that had fought vacation rentals to come to a compromise.
What’s Behind the Effort to Recall Council President Jen Campbell|Scott Lewis|February 9, 2021|Voice of San Diego
For now, no compromise should be made on giving the second dose.
A virus locomotive is heading straight at us|Editorial Board|February 8, 2021|Washington Post
Pocket the television revenue, keep the game’s tradition going, and work to create a comprehensive All-Star Weekend experience while seeking compromises with upset players behind the scenes.
Four options for an NBA All-Star Game that the star players don’t seem to want|Ben Golliver|February 8, 2021|Washington Post

It feels a little bit like we’re making some compromises we wouldn’t have had to make if we’d waited.
What “baby bust”? New and soon-to-be parents on choosing to have kids in dark times|Chris Chafin|February 1, 2021|Vox
Emetophobia tends to compromise my relationships, turning me into a selfish jerk.
Why My Norovirus Panic Makes Me Sick|Lizzie Crocker|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It's clear he doesn't like my compromise, but he seems resigned.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They then would expect the Senate to strip that amendment and compromise simply on keeping government open for 60 days.
Bachmann and Pelosi vs. Boehner and Obama Over Spending Bill|Ben Jacobs|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Nobody truly loves it, but nobody ever truly loves big compromise legislation.
For Obama, Hell Week Has Arrived|Michael Tomasky|November 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Clay engineered the morally indefensible Missouri Compromise.
Election Day Is Scarier Than Halloween|P. J. O’Rourke|November 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This we took advantage of, and after several meetings in London a compromise was effected.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
Montelegre writes me that Don Yonge had effected a compromise on your account with the Castros.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2)|Francis Trevithick
Absurd—they have long ago scouted the idea of so ridiculous a compromise.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
President Monroe signed the Missouri Compromise expressing his approval of this bill.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia|Dorothy M. Torpey
His great red feet were bound up in a shoe open at the toes, a kind of compromise for a sandal.
Little Travels and Roadside Sketches|William Makepeace Thackeray

British Dictionary definitions for compromise

compromise

/ (ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪz) /

noun

settlement of a dispute by concessions on both or all sides

the terms of such a settlement

something midway between two or more different things

an exposure of one's good name, reputation, etc, to injury

verb

to settle (a dispute) by making concessions

(tr) to expose (a person or persons) to disrepute

(tr) to prejudice unfavourably; weakenhis behaviour compromised his chances

(tr) obsolete to pledge mutually

Derived forms of compromise

compromiser, nouncompromisingly, adverb

Word Origin for compromise

C15: from Old French compromis, from Latin comprōmissum mutual agreement to accept the decision of an arbiter, from comprōmittere, from prōmittere to promise

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

compromise

Origin of compromise

OTHER WORDS FROM compromise

Words nearby compromise

Words related to compromise

How to use compromise in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for compromise

Derived forms of compromise

Word Origin for compromise