negotiation

noun

ne·​go·​ti·​a·​tion ni-ˌgō-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce negotiation (audio)
nonstandard
-sē- How to pronounce negotiation (audio)
Synonyms of negotiationnext
: the action or process of negotiating or being negotiated
—often plural
Negotiations between the two governments have failed to produce an agreement.

Synonyms of negotiation

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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
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.
The independent dispute resolution system, or IDR, created under the No Surprises Act, was an arbitration process intended to serve as a last-ditch safeguard when negotiations between insurers and providers failed. — Christian Swann, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 When contract negotiations began in July, the Hialeah Fire Department had 226 firefighters, about 74 fewer than two decades ago, while responding to more than 31,000 emergencies annually. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 How are buyers and sellers approaching negotiations in today’s market? — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Danny Citrinowicz, an Israeli analyst on Iran, said Netanyahu has a political incentive to renew the fighting while negotiations over a new government are underway. — Itay Stern, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for negotiation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of negotiation was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing negotiation

Rhymes for negotiation

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Browse Nearby Words

negotiate
negotiation
negotiator
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Cite this Entry

“Negotiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/negotiation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on negotiation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about negotiation

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