brinkmanship

noun

brink·​man·​ship ˈbriŋk-mən-ˌship How to pronounce brinkmanship (audio)
variants or less commonly brinksmanship
: the art or practice of pushing a dangerous situation or confrontation to the limit of safety especially to force a desired outcome

Examples of brinkmanship in a Sentence

two nations caught up in nuclear brinksmanship
Recent Examples on the Web The high-stakes diplomatic moves and military brinkmanship left a glimmer of hope alive — if only barely — for a deal to bring at least a pause in the war, which has killed more than 34,700 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and has devastated the Gaza Strip. Lee Keath, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2024 In June, the brinkmanship continued, as the D.N.C.’s rules and bylaws committee met again, this time deciding to allow New Hampshire Democrats until Sept. 1 to continue negotiating a plan for their primary. Ross Barkan, New York Times, 5 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for brinkmanship 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brinkmanship.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brinkmanship was in 1956

Dictionary Entries Near brinkmanship

Cite this Entry

“Brinkmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brinkmanship. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

brinkmanship

noun
brink·​man·​ship ˈbriŋk-mən-ˌship How to pronounce brinkmanship (audio)
: the practice of pushing a dangerous situation to the limit of safety before stopping

More from Merriam-Webster on brinkmanship

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