bargaining chip

noun

: something that can be used to gain an advantage when trying to make a deal or an agreement
The workers used the threat of a strike as a bargaining chip in their negotiations.

Examples of bargaining chip in a Sentence

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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.
The critical waterway has emerged as a key bargaining chip in the war between the US and Iran. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 As Fortune’s Jordan Blum argues, this could accelerate a broader breakdown of the post-WWII maritime order, although some analysts believe Iran may ultimately use tolls mainly as a bargaining chip for sanctions relief. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026 One of my favorite scenes in the finale and the season is the hostage negotiation between Gwayne, using the Sea Snake (Steve Toussaint) as a bargaining chip with Daemon (Matt Smith). — Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, China is tightening approvals for exports of rare earth products — a key bargaining chip at the last summit in Beijing, which sealed an uneasy trade truce. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bargaining chip

Rhymes for bargaining chip

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Browse Nearby Words

bargain hunter
bargaining chip
bargaining counter
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Cite this Entry

“Bargaining chip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bargaining%20chip. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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