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

And most importantly, concerns that other organizations would use their spending to push for a salary tax in upcoming labor negotiations. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2026

But general manager Jeff Pagliocca maintains his relationship with Reese remained strong through the final negotiations with the Dream. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

While a settlement appeared close with negotiations to resume Wednesday afternoon, the dispute has taken a toll. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Trump has been warning of a takeover of Cuba, feeding anxiety among Democratic lawmakers who are fearful that negotiations with Havana are a pretense for an invasion. —Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 29 Apr. 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