negotiate
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
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to arrange for or bring about by discussion and settlement of terms.
to negotiate a loan.
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to manage; transact; conduct.
He negotiated an important business deal.
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to move through, around, or over in a satisfactory manner.
to negotiate a difficult dance step without tripping: to negotiate sharp curves.
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to transfer (a draft, promissory note, etc.) to a new owner by endorsement and delivery or by delivery.
verb
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to work or talk (with others) to achieve (a transaction, an agreement, etc)
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(tr) to succeed in passing through, around, or over
to negotiate a mountain pass
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(tr) finance
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to transfer (a negotiable commercial paper) by endorsement to another in return for value received
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to sell (financial assets)
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to arrange for (a loan)
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Other Word Forms
- negotiator noun
- prenegotiate verb
- unnegotiated adjective
- well-negotiated adjective
Etymology
Origin of negotiate
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin negōtiātus “traded,” past participle of negōtiārī “to do business, trade,” verb derivative of negōtium “business,” from nec, neg- “not” ( neglect ( def. ) ) + ōtium “leisure”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
So which concessions should buyers try to negotiate?
From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026
“This makes it easier for U.S. companies to negotiate with her and with her government,” said Geoff Ramsey, an expert on Venezuela, at the Atlantic Council.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
She also supports other carers trying to negotiate the health and benefits system.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
"There's no international authority imposing its view. Rather, there are national authorities who will negotiate with the junta and others that do not recognise it," Ntwali said.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
It took him fifteen minutes to negotiate the stairs, but he wound up safely in the office after having entered from the outside.
From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
