the negotiating table
noun
—used to say that people are having formal discussions in order to reach an agreement
The two sides in this dispute have returned to the negotiating table.
They came to an agreement at the negotiating table.
Examples of the negotiating table in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Will the pressure force Tehran back to the negotiating table?
—
NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
From a Pakistani perspective, there’s still hope that the US and Iran can come back to the negotiating table under mediation by Islamabad.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2026
Three diplomats who were familiar with China’s behind-the-scenes efforts also confirmed that Beijing, the biggest purchaser of Iranian oil, used its leverage to urge the Iranians back to the negotiating table.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
He's told us to come to the negotiating table.
—Jack Sommers, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the negotiating table
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
From a Pakistani perspective, there’s still hope that the US and Iran can come back to the negotiating table under mediation by Islamabad.
—Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2026
Three diplomats who were familiar with China’s behind-the-scenes efforts also confirmed that Beijing, the biggest purchaser of Iranian oil, used its leverage to urge the Iranians back to the negotiating table.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
He's told us to come to the negotiating table.
—Jack Sommers, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the negotiating table
Cite this Entry
“The negotiating table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20negotiating%20table. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
