agreement

noun

agree·​ment ə-ˈgrē-mənt How to pronounce agreement (audio)
Synonyms of agreementnext
1
a
: harmony of opinion, action, or character : concord
There is widespread agreement on this issue.
b
: the act or fact of agreeing
She nodded her head in agreement.
2
a
: an arrangement as to a course of action
reached an agreement as to how to achieve their goal
b
: compact, treaty
a trade agreement
3
a
: a contract duly executed (see execute sense transitive 2) and legally binding
b
: the language or instrument (see instrument entry 1 sense 5) embodying such a contract

Synonyms of agreement

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Examples of agreement in a Sentence

Any changes to the plan require the agreement of everyone involved. There is wide agreement on this issue. They have been unable to reach agreement about how to achieve reform. I thought we had an agreement. Their agreement expires next year. He has to return the property under the terms of an agreement he has with the original owner. He signed an agreement to buy the property.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Watchdogs warn outdated agreements and missed four-year review deadlines leave newer threats like drones unaddressed, even as Homeland Security pledges to adopt reforms meant to better safeguard presidents and other high-profile protectees. — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The agreement represents a union of two institutions that make up the core of Kentucky's identity. — Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026 Villa, in the end, had to fashion an agreement with Roma and Besiktas to ensure Abraham’s move got over the line. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Amer said the army had recorded more than 5,000 Israeli attacks on Lebanon since the framework agreement was signed in June. — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for agreement

Word History

Etymology

Middle English agrement, borrowed from Anglo-French agreement, agrément, from agreer "to please, consent, agree" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of agreement was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing agreement

Rhymes for agreement

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Browse Nearby Words

agree in number
agreement
agree to disagree
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Agreement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agreement. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

agreement

noun
agree·​ment ə-ˈgrē-mənt How to pronounce agreement (audio)
1
a
: the act of agreeing
b
: harmony of opinion, action, or character : concord
all are in agreement
2
a
: an arrangement or understanding (as a contract or treaty) about action to be taken
b
: a written record of such an agreement
3
: the fact of agreeing grammatically

Legal Definition

agreement

noun
agree·​ment
1
a
: the act or fact of agreeing
by mutual agreement
b
: unity of opinion, understanding, or intent
especially : the mutual assent of contracting parties to the same terms
if they reach agreement

Note: Under common law, agreement is a necessary element of a valid contract. Under Uniform Commercial Code section 1-201(3), agreement is the bargain of the contracting parties as represented explicitly by their language or implicitly by other circumstances (as a course of dealing).

2
a
: an expression (as a settlement, covenant, or contract) of the intent or willingness of two or more parties to bind at least one to terms usually determined by negotiation
an agreement must be sufficiently definite before a court can enforce it—J. D. Calamari and J. M. Perillo
b
: the language or instrument embodying such an expression

More from Merriam-Webster on agreement

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about agreement

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