Synonyms of pact
: compact entry 4
especially : an international treaty

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Pact has "peace" at its root because a pact often ends a period of unfriendly relations. The word is generally used in the field of international relations, where diplomats may speak of an "arms pact", a "trade pact", or a "fishing-rights pact". But it may also be used for any solemn agreement or promise between two people; after all, whenever two parties shake hands on a deal, they're not about to go to war with each other.

Examples of pact in a Sentence

We supported a peace pact between the two countries. They made a pact to go to the gym together three times a week.
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.
The United States declined to extend the free trade pact for another 16 years during the mandatory joint review on July 1. Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 This month, for example, Saudi Arabia forged a mutual defense pact with Pakistan and Turkey. Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 In early August, Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan and Turkey. ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 The pact is the latest live sports rights deal for the free streamer — and arguably the highest profile one in Roku’s current portfolio, which also has rights to X Games, Formula E and the Bassmaster pro fishing circuit. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pact

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin pactum, from neuter of pactus, past participle of pacisci to agree, contract; akin to Old English fōn to seize, Latin pax peace, pangere to fix, fasten, Greek pēgnynai

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Pact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pact. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

: agreement sense 2
especially : a treaty between countries
Etymology

Middle English pact "agreement," from early French pact (same meaning), from Latin pactum (same meaning), derived from pacisci "to agree, contract"

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