brokering
Negotiate an agreement between parties
Examples
In a meeting
“She's brokering a compromise between sales and operations on the delivery timeline.”
Over coffee
“I'm brokering peace between my two best friends who stopped talking.”
Why this word
negotiating
brokering implies facilitating agreement between other parties as an intermediary, while negotiating can be direct participation
mediating
brokering often involves more active deal-making than mediating, which focuses on neutral facilitation
arranging
brokering specifically means facilitating transactions or agreements between parties, while arranging is generic organizing
Usage tip
Use when actively facilitating negotiation between opposing parties
Etymology
From 'broker' (intermediary), from Anglo-Norman 'brocour' (small trader)
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Related words
impasse
A deadlock where no progress is possible
conciliatory
Intended to gain goodwill or reduce hostility
defuse
To reduce the danger or tension in a situation
arbitrate
To settle a dispute as an independent person or authority
coerce
To persuade using force or threats
ultimatum
A final demand with threat of consequences if rejected