split the difference

VERB

compromise

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agree negotiate

STRONG

adjust arbitrate compose compound concede conciliate give and take settle

WEAK

find happy medium find middle ground go fifty-fifty make a deal make concession meet halfway play ball with strike balance trade off

Antonyms

STRONG

confuse disarrange upset

WEAK

contest differ disagree dispute dissent guard protect quarrel save

VERB

make concessions

Synonyms

WEAK

accommodate agree bargain compromise find a happy medium find the middle ground give and take go fifty-fifty make a deal reach an agreement settle strike a deal trade off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I decided to split the difference with a roomy pair that left a subtle gap behind my heel.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

For that reason, you could split the difference with your daughter.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

A few plan to bypass the grid indefinitely, and others expect to split the difference, using a mix of grid and on-site power.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

There are reasons to back either side here, so I am going to split the difference and go with a draw.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2024

So I split the difference and just sort of...hover.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli

split the difference

Example Sentences

Related Words