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
Recent Examples on the Web
On Capitol Hill, Democrats have called for body cameras as an accountability measure and as a political bargaining chip with Republicans.
—
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
29 June 2026
Gas prices surged during the Iran war as Tehran used the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which around a fifth of global oil production flows, as a geopolitical bargaining chip.
—
Tiago Ventura,
Time,
24 June 2026
Trump also has suggested that the arms sales package could be a bargaining chip.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Teachers use it as a behavioral bargaining chip, administrators weigh playtime against sagging test scores and researchers argue over how best to structure the minutes.
—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bargaining chip
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.
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
29 June 2026
Gas prices surged during the Iran war as Tehran used the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which around a fifth of global oil production flows, as a geopolitical bargaining chip.
—
Tiago Ventura,
Time,
24 June 2026
Trump also has suggested that the arms sales package could be a bargaining chip.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Teachers use it as a behavioral bargaining chip, administrators weigh playtime against sagging test scores and researchers argue over how best to structure the minutes.
—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bargaining chip
Cite this Entry
“Bargaining chip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bargaining%20chip. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
