com·pro·mise
ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz 
1
a
: settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions
b
: something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things
2
: a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial
a compromise of principles
compromised; compromising
1
a
: to come to agreement by mutual concession
The two sides were unwilling to compromise.
The union and employer agreed to compromise.
b
: to find or follow a way between extremes
2
: to make a shameful or disreputable concession
wouldn't compromise with their principles
1
a
: to reveal or expose to an unauthorized person and especially to an enemy
Confidential information was compromised.
b
: to cause the impairment of
illnesses that can seriously compromise the immune system
If you don't acknowledge the parent at all, you risk seeming unnecessarily hostile or dismissive but if you allow the parent to govern decisions you could compromise the patient.—
Ranjana Srivastava
Ranjana Srivastava
c
: to expose to suspicion, discredit, or mischief
His reputation has been compromised.
2
: to adjust or settle by mutual concessions
An arbiter was brought in to compromise their differences.
3
obsolete
: to bind by mutual agreement
Synonyms
Examples of compromise in a Sentence
Noun
"You can't always come up with the optimal solution, but you can usually come up with a better solution," he [Barack Obama] said over lunch one afternoon. "A good compromise, a good piece of legislation, is like a good sentence."
—William Finnegan, New Yorker, 31 May 2004
I therefore proposed a … strategy that raised the possibility of compromise …
—Robert S. McNamara, In Retrospect, 1995
I've had other films that were successful, but I'm aware of the compromises I made—and they were tremendous.
—Woody Allen, Rolling Stone, 16 Sept. 1993
In his promotion of burgeoning black writers, however, Hughes made no compromises.
—Rita Dove, New York Times Book Review, 9 Oct. 1988
the art of political compromise
To avoid an argument, always be ready to seek compromise.
a director who will not tolerate artistic compromise
She says that accepting their proposal would be a compromise of her principles.
Verb
You don't make deals that compromise yourself or your team, of course, but you help other riders if you can, so they might return the favor.
—Lance Armstrong, It's Not About the Bike, (2000) 2001
The book is compromised by the author's lack of selectivity.
—Amy Hempel, Ms., October/November 1999
Our plan had been to pass a good balanced budget without compromising its essential components …
—Tony Blankley, George, September 1997
Lieutenant Charon would get a pat on the back from his captain … not to mention congratulations for running such a quiet and effective operation that had not compromised his informants …
—Tom Clancy, Without Remorse, 1994
Finally, the two sides compromised and a treaty was signed …
—Alfredo Quarto, Cultural Survival Quarterly, 1990
The two sides were unwilling to compromise.
We can't reveal that information without compromising national security.
a dangerous drug that can further compromise an already weakened immune system
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William Finnegan, New Yorker, 31 May 2004
I therefore proposed a … strategy that raised the possibility of compromise …
—Robert S. McNamara, In Retrospect, 1995
I've had other films that were successful, but I'm aware of the compromises I made—and they were tremendous.
—Woody Allen, Rolling Stone, 16 Sept. 1993
In his promotion of burgeoning black writers, however, Hughes made no compromises.
—Rita Dove, New York Times Book Review, 9 Oct. 1988
the art of political compromise
To avoid an argument, always be ready to seek compromise.
a director who will not tolerate artistic compromise
She says that accepting their proposal would be a compromise of her principles.
Verb
You don't make deals that compromise yourself or your team, of course, but you help other riders if you can, so they might return the favor.
—Lance Armstrong, It's Not About the Bike, (2000) 2001
The book is compromised by the author's lack of selectivity.
—Amy Hempel, Ms., October/November 1999
Our plan had been to pass a good balanced budget without compromising its essential components …
—Tony Blankley, George, September 1997
Lieutenant Charon would get a pat on the back from his captain … not to mention congratulations for running such a quiet and effective operation that had not compromised his informants …
—Tom Clancy, Without Remorse, 1994
Finally, the two sides compromised and a treaty was signed …
—Alfredo Quarto, Cultural Survival Quarterly, 1990
The two sides were unwilling to compromise.
We can't reveal that information without compromising national security.
a dangerous drug that can further compromise an already weakened immune system
See More
Recent Examples on the WebNeal Earley, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2023
Your mother and father compromise in their own way.
—Viet Thanh Nguyen, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2023
The resulting compromise bill passed with a large majority in support.
—Becca Savransky, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2023
Meanwhile, talks brewing in recent days around a potential compromise between People’s Budget supporters and City Council, which largely opposes it, have collapsed.
—Courtney Astolfi, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2023
Whether a compromise is eventually reached or not, the consensus among experts who spoke to WIRED is that the Online Safety Bill is likely to pass today.
—Peter Guest, WIRED, 6 Sep. 2023
In a compromise announced on May 22, 2023, the federal government pledged $1.2 billion to irrigation districts, cities, and Native American tribes throughout the lower Colorado Basin in exchange for a commitment to voluntarily reduce water consumption by a total of 2.3 million acre-feet.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2023
The moon's harmonious connection to love planet Venus is ideal for compromise and reconciliation.
—USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2023
This extra absorbency doesn’t mean any compromise on softness.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 1 Sep. 2023
Lauren Keith, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2023
The stretchy elastic material ensures a snug fit without compromising on comfort, adapting gracefully to your body’s natural curves.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2023
Yet – additional protection may be critical for those most at-risk, including the elderly as well as those who are immune compromised, experts say.
—Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2023
The brand’s founder Maximilian Büsser has been keenly aware of this exclusivity since the brand’s early days with the intention of making his wares more accessible to a wider population without compromising the one-of-a-kind DNA of the brand.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2023
While there has been some progress, more can and must be done to ensure robust safeguards are in place to protect our oceans, without compromising the urgent need for climate action.
—Michael Leitch, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2023
This one has a high neck to keep heat locked in to their torso without compromising functionality.
—Emily Shiffer, Women's Health, 9 Sep. 2023
To preserve the bouncy shape of waves and keep them from tangling, use gentle shampoo and conditioner formulas like the GH Beauty Lab test-winning Garnier Fructis Full and Plush duo to soften hair without compromising its volume.
—Sabina Wizemann, Good Housekeeping, 8 Sep. 2023
Price and Value: Compare prices among different brands to find a product that offers good value for money without compromising quality.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2023
See More
Noun
Mayberry attempted a compromise bill, similar to the one now backed by Sanders, which cut everything in the previous bill except for the provision on security and also would have not been retroactive, a hang-up for some lawmakers.
—Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2023
Your mother and father compromise in their own way.
—Viet Thanh Nguyen, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2023
The resulting compromise bill passed with a large majority in support.
—Becca Savransky, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2023
Meanwhile, talks brewing in recent days around a potential compromise between People’s Budget supporters and City Council, which largely opposes it, have collapsed.
—Courtney Astolfi, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2023
Whether a compromise is eventually reached or not, the consensus among experts who spoke to WIRED is that the Online Safety Bill is likely to pass today.
—Peter Guest, WIRED, 6 Sep. 2023
In a compromise announced on May 22, 2023, the federal government pledged $1.2 billion to irrigation districts, cities, and Native American tribes throughout the lower Colorado Basin in exchange for a commitment to voluntarily reduce water consumption by a total of 2.3 million acre-feet.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2023
The moon's harmonious connection to love planet Venus is ideal for compromise and reconciliation.
—USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2023
This extra absorbency doesn’t mean any compromise on softness.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 1 Sep. 2023
Verb
Maxi dresses are a great option for an elevated modest look without compromising on comfort.
—Lauren Keith, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2023
The stretchy elastic material ensures a snug fit without compromising on comfort, adapting gracefully to your body’s natural curves.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2023
Yet – additional protection may be critical for those most at-risk, including the elderly as well as those who are immune compromised, experts say.
—Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2023
The brand’s founder Maximilian Büsser has been keenly aware of this exclusivity since the brand’s early days with the intention of making his wares more accessible to a wider population without compromising the one-of-a-kind DNA of the brand.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2023
While there has been some progress, more can and must be done to ensure robust safeguards are in place to protect our oceans, without compromising the urgent need for climate action.
—Michael Leitch, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2023
This one has a high neck to keep heat locked in to their torso without compromising functionality.
—Emily Shiffer, Women's Health, 9 Sep. 2023
To preserve the bouncy shape of waves and keep them from tangling, use gentle shampoo and conditioner formulas like the GH Beauty Lab test-winning Garnier Fructis Full and Plush duo to soften hair without compromising its volume.
—Sabina Wizemann, Good Housekeeping, 8 Sep. 2023
Price and Value: Compare prices among different brands to find a product that offers good value for money without compromising quality.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compromise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English, mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision, from Anglo-French compromisse, from Latin compromissum, from neuter of compromissus, past participle of compromittere to promise mutually, from com- + promittere to promise — more at promise
First Known Use
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3
Time Traveler
The first known use of compromise was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing compromise
Dictionary Entries Near compromise
Cite this Entry
“Compromise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compromise. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
compromise
1 of 2 noun
com·pro·mise
ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz
1
: a settlement of a dispute by each party giving up some demands
2
: a giving up to something that is wrong or degrading : surrender
a compromise of one's principles
3
: the thing agreed upon as a result of a compromise
compromise
2 of 2 verb
compromised; compromising
1
: to adjust or settle differences by means of a compromise
2
: to expose to disgrace, suspicion, or danger
compromised his reputation
compromise security
compromiser
noun
Medical Definition
compromise
1 of 2 transitive verb
com·pro·mise
ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz
compromised; compromising
: to cause the impairment of
certain chemical agents may compromise placental function
a compromised immune system
compromise
2 of 2 noun
: the condition of having been compromised : impairment
cardiovascular compromise
patients at risk for airway compromise—David Jaffe et al.
David Jaffe et al.
Legal Definition
compromise
1 of 2 noun
com·pro·mise
: an agreement resolving differences by mutual concessions especially to prevent or end a lawsuit
compromise
2 of 2 verb
compromised; compromising
: to resolve or dispose of by a compromise
cases in which a dispute is compromised—E. A. Farnsworth and W. F. Young
E. A. Farnsworth and W. F. Young
: to enter into a compromise
More from Merriam-Webster on compromise
Nglish: Translation of compromise for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of compromise for Arabic Speakers
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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