pact

noun

ˈpakt 

: compact entry 4

especially : an international treaty

Did you know?

Pact has "peace" at its root because a pact often ends a period of unfriendly relations. The word is generally used in the field of international relations, where diplomats may speak of an "arms pact", a "trade pact", or a "fishing-rights pact". But it may also be used for any solemn agreement or promise between two people; after all, whenever two parties shake hands on a deal, they're not about to go to war with each other.

Synonyms of pact

• treaty

Examples of pact in a Sentence

We supported a peace pact between the two countries.

They made a pact to go to the gym together three times a week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Canada and Mexico defended their trilateral trade agreement with the US following Washington’s threats to withdraw from the $2 trillion pact. —Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026

However, the lineman settled for a one-year pact with the Panthers after going through the first five days of negotiations. —Mike Kaye updated March 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026

Under the multi-year pact, Creative Engine will develop series for streaming, which will be executive produced by Comins. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026

OpenAI has restructured into a public‑benefit corporation and granted Microsoft a 27% stake worth about $135 billion, as part of more than $13 billion in total investment and a long‑term IP‑sharing pact that runs through 2032. —Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin pactum, from neuter of pactus, past participle of pacisci to agree, contract; akin to Old English fōn to seize, Latin pax peace, pangere to fix, fasten, Greek pēgnynai

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pact

• nonaggression pact/treaty
• nonaggression treaty/pact
• suicide pact

Rhymes for pact

• act
• backed
• blacked
• bract
• cracked
• fact
• hacked
• jacked
• lacked
• packed
• racked
• sacked

Kids Definition

pact

noun

ˈpakt 

: agreement sense 2

especially : a treaty between countries

Etymology

Middle English pact "agreement," from early French pact (same meaning), from Latin pactum (same meaning), derived from pacisci "to agree, contract"