negotiation

noun

ne·​go·​ti·​a·​tion ni-ˌgō-shē-ˈā-shən 

nonstandard

-sē- 

: the action or process of negotiating or being negotiated

—often used in plural

Negotiations between the two governments have failed to produce an agreement.

Synonyms of negotiation

• compromise
• consensus

Examples of negotiation in a Sentence

We need a negotiation between the townspeople and mayor over the site of the new library.

She is skilled at negotiation.

The college president was against any negotiation with the students.

Recent Examples on the Web

Oman, a historic US ally, has attempted to act as a mediator between the US and Iran both before and during the conflict, notably hosting nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington before the war broke out in February. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

This stark contrast in valuations and the differing perspectives between MLB and the Players Association are setting the stage for contentious negotiations, with a potential lockout looming. — Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, negotiations between Washington and Tehran to end the war have stalled, with little sign that talks will resume. — Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

The extreme home/road splits recently led to Tucker being benched in Los Angeles, which is probably not something the two sides covered during contract negotiations. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English negociacion "dealing with people," borrowed from Latin negōtiātiōn-, negōtiātiō "business, trade," from negōtiārī "to do business, trade, deal" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at negotiate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing negotiation

• in negotiation
• open to negotiation
• under negotiation

Rhymes for negotiation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation