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
Because facts on the ground are intricately connected to what is and isn’t possible at the negotiating table.
—
Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Often, they are used as a temporary leverage tool, designed to compel foreign governments to come to the negotiating table or to revise the terms of trade agreements.
—Gabriela Berrospi, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Analysts reckon that the Trump administration could force Netanyahu back to the negotiating table, just as Witkoff did in January to secure the cease-fire deal.
—Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
While Canadians may appear reserved, underestimating them at the negotiating table would be a serious miscalculation.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes, 18 Mar. 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.
Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Often, they are used as a temporary leverage tool, designed to compel foreign governments to come to the negotiating table or to revise the terms of trade agreements.
—Gabriela Berrospi, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Analysts reckon that the Trump administration could force Netanyahu back to the negotiating table, just as Witkoff did in January to secure the cease-fire deal.
—Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
While Canadians may appear reserved, underestimating them at the negotiating table would be a serious miscalculation.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
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 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share