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Showing results for split the difference. Search instead for substantial difference.
Definitions

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.

Whatever you decide — to take the deal, or split the difference by accepting half of what he’s offering in return for keeping your $130,000 — make sure it’s locked in.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 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

“Tron: Ares” looks to split the difference: Mean-looking skyscraper-sized machines face off against Jared Leto.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2025

Wyndham Clark hit a 65 to close on 11 under, Gotterup a 67 for -12 and English split the difference with a 66 to finish a shot better still in outright second.

From BBC • Jul. 20, 2025

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

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli