The phrase come to terms refers to the process of reaching an agreement, accepting a difficult reality, or reconciling differences. It can apply to various contexts, such as negotiating agreements, resolving conflicts, or making peace with an unpleasant truth. To come to terms with someone often involves compromise and mutual understanding, while to come to terms with a situation requires emotional acceptance and personal growth. The phrase highlights a moment of resolution, where opposing sides or internal struggles find closure. Whether it’s a business deal, a personal disagreement, or coping with loss, coming to terms marks a pivotal point of clarity and readiness to move forward. This process demands patience, empathy, and often a shift in perspective. It’s a critical step toward progress, whether in relationships, personal development, or larger societal issues. Ultimately, to come to terms is to acknowledge and embrace a resolution that allows for peace and forward momentum.
Sample Sentences
- They had to come to terms before finalizing the business merger.
- She struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss of her job.
- After weeks of negotiation, the two parties managed to come to terms.
- It took him years to come to terms with his childhood trauma.
- The opposing teams finally came to terms on the rules of the competition.
- Learning to come to terms with failure is an important life skill.
- The couple decided to come to terms with their differences to save their relationship.
- The government is working hard to come to terms with the economic crisis.
- She had to come to terms with the fact that she couldn’t change the past.
- They reached out to a mediator to help them come to terms on the contract.
Synonyms for “Come to Terms”
- Reach an agreement
- Resolve differences
- Settle
- Make peace
- Accept reality
- Reconcile
- Agree upon
- Negotiate
- Achieve closure
- Conclude a deal
Antonyms for “Come to Terms”
- Remain at odds
- Disagree
- Reject
- Deny reality
- Prolong conflict
- Refuse compromise
- Oppose
- Stall negotiations
- Maintain discord
- Resist resolution
Related Words and Expressions
Related Words:
- Agreement
- Compromise
- Acceptance
- Resolution
- Understanding
- Negotiation
- Reconciliation
- Consensus
- Accord
- Settlement
Phrasal Verbs:
- Work out (to resolve differences and reach an agreement)
- Give in (to yield during a negotiation)
- Iron out (to settle minor disagreements)
- Come around (to agree after initial resistance)
- Settle for (to accept a resolution, even if imperfect)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Meet halfway (to compromise and find a middle ground)
- Bury the hatchet (to end a dispute and reconcile)
- See eye to eye (to agree or share the same perspective)
- Call it even (to resolve a disagreement or debt fairly)
- Shake hands on it (to finalize an agreement in good faith)
