compromise
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.
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.
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.
Origin of compromise
1Other words from compromise
- com·pro·mis·er, noun
- com·pro·mis·ing·ly, adverb
- com·prom·is·sa·ry [kom-prom-uh-ser-ee], /kɒmˈprɒm əˌsɛr i/, adjective
- non·com·pro·mis·ing, adjective
- pro·com·pro·mise, adjective
- qua·si-com·pro·mis·ing, adjective
- qua·si-com·pro·mis·ing·ly, adverb
Words Nearby compromise
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 | ProPublicaShe 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 DiegoFor now, no compromise should be made on giving the second dose.
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 PostIt 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.
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 | THE DAILY BEASTThey 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 | THE DAILY BEASTNobody truly loves it, but nobody ever truly loves big compromise legislation.
Clay engineered the morally indefensible Missouri compromise.
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 TatlowMontelegre writes me that Don Yonge had effected a compromise on your account with the Castros.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2) | Francis TrevithickAbsurd—they have long ago scouted the idea of so ridiculous a compromise.
President Monroe signed the Missouri compromise expressing his approval of this bill.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia | Dorothy M. TorpeyHis 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
/ (ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪz) /
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
to settle (a dispute) by making concessions
(tr) to expose (a person or persons) to disrepute
(tr) to prejudice unfavourably; weaken: his behaviour compromised his chances
(tr) obsolete to pledge mutually
Origin of compromise
1Derived forms of compromise
- compromiser, noun
- compromisingly, adverb
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
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