broker
Negotiate and arrange an agreement between disputing parties
Examples
In a meeting
“She managed to broker a compromise between engineering and sales on the product timeline.”
Over coffee
“I had to broker peace between my roommates over the thermostat setting.”
Why this word
negotiate
Broker means to arrange or negotiate as an intermediary, while negotiate can be direct between parties
arrange
Broker implies facilitating a deal between parties as a mediator, while arrange is general planning
mediate
Broker suggests actively facilitating an agreement or deal, while mediate emphasizes resolving disputes
Usage tip
Use when you're facilitating an agreement between conflicting parties, not just participating in negotiations yourself
Etymology
Middle English — from Anglo-Norman 'brocour' meaning negotiator or middleman
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Related words
contradict
To state the opposite or deny the truth of something
reconcile
Make two conflicting things compatible or resolve a disagreement
echo
To repeat or express agreement with someone's ideas or sentiments
pushback
Resistance or objection to an idea or plan
acquiesce
To accept or agree to something reluctantly but without protest
appease
To pacify or satisfy someone by giving in to their demands