brinkmanship
noun
brink·man·ship
ˈbriŋk-mən-ˌship 
variants
or less commonly brinksmanship
: the art or practice of pushing a dangerous situation or confrontation to the limit of safety especially to force a desired outcome
Examples of brinkmanship in a Sentence
two nations caught up in nuclear brinksmanship
Recent Examples on the Web
Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the TSA division of the American Federation of Government Employees, said union members resent having their livelihoods used as tools and talking points in a game of political brinkmanship.
—
ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
The sheer brinkmanship of his performances was part of the show's power.
—CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Even before that meeting, the tide had turned for Paramount in a swell of power, politics and brinkmanship.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Stroul argued that Iran’s leadership is trying to balance brinkmanship with negotiation.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brinkmanship
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ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
The sheer brinkmanship of his performances was part of the show's power.
—CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Even before that meeting, the tide had turned for Paramount in a swell of power, politics and brinkmanship.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Stroul argued that Iran’s leadership is trying to balance brinkmanship with negotiation.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brinkmanship
Cite this Entry
“Brinkmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brinkmanship. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brinkmanship
noun
brink·man·ship
ˈbriŋk-mən-ˌship
: the practice of pushing a dangerous situation to the limit of safety before stopping
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