negotiate

verb

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ne·go·ti·ate | \ ni-ˈgō-shē-ˌāt

, nonstandard -sē-

negotiated; negotiating

Definition of negotiate

intransitive verb

: to confer with another so as to arrive at the settlement of some matter Teachers are negotiating for higher salaries.

transitive verb

1a : to deal with (some matter or affair that requires ability for its successful handling) : manage negotiated his business deals with remarkable skill

b : to arrange for or bring about through conference, discussion, and compromise negotiate a treaty

2a : to transfer (something, such as a bill of exchange) to another by delivery or endorsement (see endorse sense 1d)

b : to convert into cash or the equivalent value negotiate a check

3a : to successfully travel along or over negotiate a turn

b : complete, accomplish negotiate the trip in two hours

Other Words from negotiate Synonyms The Controversial History of Negotiate More Example Sentences Learn More About negotiate

Other Words from negotiate

negotiator \ ni-ˈgō-shē-ˌā-tər

, nonstandard -sē- \ noun

negotiatory \ ni-ˈgō-sh(ē-)ə-ˌtȯr-ē

, nonstandard -sē-

\ adjective

Examples of negotiate in a Sentence

The customer wanted to negotiate over the price. She has good negotiating skills. We negotiated a fair price. The driver carefully negotiated the winding road.

Recent Examples on the Web There is no limit on the amount of money or vouchers the airline can offer you, and passengers are free to negotiate. — Amanda Maile, ABC News, 29 June 2022 For decades, successive Egyptian rulers have tried to move the houseboats, but the owners were able to negotiate with the authorities. — New York Times, 29 June 2022 Barbara Moss and her husband are always having to negotiate a time to leave for the airport. — Sara Edwards, USA TODAY, 29 June 2022 The Broncos initially recruited him for the cornerback position but Briscoe managed to negotiate being considered for quarterback. — Shafiq Najib, PEOPLE.com, 28 June 2022 Free agents are able to negotiate contracts during the NBA's annual player movement moratorium beginning July 1, which is when contracts can't be signed and trades can't be made official. — Dana Scott, The Arizona Republic, 28 June 2022 In countries like the U.S. or the U.K., no such protections have yet to be approved on a national level, and employees have to negotiate the terms of remote work with their employer. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 23 June 2022 To lure non-sporting events, BSE Global needs to negotiate favorable terms with promoters, leaving little room for profit. — Jabari Young, Forbes, 18 June 2022 The acquisition comes shortly after the announcement that Landmark will close its popular Pico street location, due to being unable to negotiate the terms of its tenancy with its realtor. — Wilson Chapman, Variety, 26 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'negotiate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for negotiate

borrowed from Latin negōtiātus, past participle of negōtiārī "to do business, trade, deal," derivative of negōtium "work, business, difficulty, annoyance," from nec "not" + ōtium "free time, leisure, tranquility," of obscure origin — more at neglect entry 1

Note: The sense "to confer in order to arrive at a settlement" is probably based on Middle French negocier or Italian negoziare, which had developed this sense, not belonging to the Latin source, by the mid-16th century.