haggle
/ˈhæɡəl/
VERB
1. Negotiate to obtain a better deal
To negotiate persistently with another person, especially a seller, in order to reach a more favorable price or agreement.
1.1. Bargaining over prices
Used when buyers and sellers negotiate the price of goods or services, usually through repeated offers and counteroffers to reach a mutually acceptable price.
Synonyms
- bargain
- negotiate
- dicker
- chaffer
- barter
- horse-trade
- wheel and deal
- deal
- beat down
Antonyms
- agree
- comply
- concur
Examples
- At the market, customers often gather to haggle for the best prices.
- The skilled negotiator knew how to confidently haggle for a better deal.
- The couple decided to haggle with the car salesman to lower the price.
- Street vendors expect tourists to try and haggle over the cost of souvenirs.
Related Words
- price
- seller
- buyer
- discount
- offer
- counteroffer
- purchase
- transaction
- commerce
- trade
1.2. Reaching compromises and agreements
Used when two or more parties negotiate, make concessions, and exchange proposals to settle terms or reach a mutually acceptable arrangement.
Synonyms
Examples
- The two companies continued to haggle over the terms of the contract.
- After several hours of discussion, they managed to haggle out a mutually acceptable agreement.
Related Words
- agreement
- accord
- accommodation
- arrangement
- settlement
- concession
- consensus
- understanding
- treaty
- mediation
VERB
2. Argue or dispute over minor matters
To argue persistently about small details, trivial issues, or relatively unimportant points, often through prolonged and unnecessary disagreement.
2.1. Petty arguments and disagreements
Used when people repeatedly argue, quarrel, or disagree over minor details rather than focusing on more important matters.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- agree
- comply
- concur
Examples
- The committee spent hours haggling over minor details instead of addressing the main issue.
- The siblings continued to haggle about who should do the household chores.
Related Words
- disagreement
- argument
- conflict
- friction
- contention
- nitpicking
- faultfinding
- complaint
- dissension
2.2. Prolonged disputes and heated exchanges
Used when people engage in persistent verbal disagreements or contentious discussions while attempting to defend their positions or challenge opposing views.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- agree
- comply
- concur
Examples
- The representatives continued to haggle over the proposed changes during the meeting.
- The neighbors were constantly haggling about the boundaries of their properties.
Related Words
- debate
- confrontation
- controversy
- opposition
- discord
- altercation
- contention
- conflict
VERB
3. Cut or hack crudely
To cut, chop, or hack something roughly or carelessly, producing an irregular or uneven result.
3.1. Rough cutting and chopping
An uncommon or archaic usage referring to cutting or hacking a material with rough, forceful, or imprecise movements.
Synonyms
Examples
- The old text used haggle to describe the rough cutting of the material.