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
China's export controls on strategic metals, a riposte to President Donald Trump's tariff hike, are being seen less as an economic blow and more as a warning shot to bring the United States to the negotiating table.
—
Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Still, Trump has used and promised to employ tariffs for three primary purposes: to raise revenue, to bring trade into balance and to bring rival countries to the negotiating table.
—Cnn.com, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Trump has used and promised to employ tariffs for three primary purposes: to raise revenue, to bring trade into balance and to bring rival countries to the negotiating table.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Trump promised on the campaign trail to quickly end the war in Ukraine and is trying to force the two sides to the negotiating table.
—Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
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.
Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Still, Trump has used and promised to employ tariffs for three primary purposes: to raise revenue, to bring trade into balance and to bring rival countries to the negotiating table.
—Cnn.com, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Trump has used and promised to employ tariffs for three primary purposes: to raise revenue, to bring trade into balance and to bring rival countries to the negotiating table.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Trump promised on the campaign trail to quickly end the war in Ukraine and is trying to force the two sides to the negotiating table.
—Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the negotiating table
Dictionary Entries Near 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 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share