What does "treaty" mean?
A formal binding agreement concluded by subjects of international law, namely, states and international organizations; a convention, a pact.
Treaty
/ˈtɹiːti/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A formal binding agreement concluded by subjects of international law, namely, states and international organizations; a convention, a pact.
- Grammar: treaty is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: accord, pact, accommodation, accord.
- Useful contrasts: conflict, war.
- Usage evidence: The treaty has been concluded after many twists and turns.
How to use "treaty"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "treaty" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "treaty" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "treaty" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "treaty" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "treaty" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accord" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "treaty", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A formal binding agreement concluded by subjects of international law, namely, states and international organizations; a convention, a pact. countable
"to sign a peace treaty"
- 2 a written agreement between two states or sovereigns wordnet
- 3 Chiefly in in treaty: discussions or negotiations in order to reach an agreement. archaic, uncountable
"To a meeting of the executors of late Viscˢˢᵉ Mordaunt's estate, to consider of the sale of Parsons Greene; being in treaty with Mr. Loftus, and to settle the halfe yeare's account."
- 4 Chiefly in private treaty: an agreement or settlement reached following negotiations; a compact, a contract, a covenant. archaic, countable
- 5 The manner or process of treating someone or something; treatment; also, the manner in which someone or something acts or behaves; behaviour. obsolete, uncountable
"Hoſ[t]. They call me Good-ſtock. / Lov[el]. Sir, and you confeſſe it, / Both i'your language, treaty, and your bearing."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 The addressing or consideration of a subject; discussion, treatment. obsolete, uncountable
- 7 A formal, systematic discourse on some subject; a treatise. countable, obsolete
"And though Galen doth ſometime nibble at Moſes, and beſide the Apoſtate Chriſtian, ſome Heathens have queſtioned his Philoſophicall part or treaty of the Creation: Yet is there ſurely no reaſonable Pagan, that will not admire the rationall and well grounded precepts of Chriſt; […]"
- 8 An act of beseeching or entreating; an entreaty, a plea, a request. countable, obsolete
"Now I must / To the young man ſend humble Treaties, dodge / And palter in the ſhifts of lovvnes, vvho / VVith halfe the bulke o' th' vvorld plaid as I pleas'd, / Making, and marring Fortunes."
Verb
- 1 To get into (a specific situation) through a treaty. transitive
- 2 To enter into a treaty. intransitive
Example
"The treaty has been concluded after many twists and turns."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "treaty"?
Common synonyms include: accord, pact, accommodation, accord, accords, agreement.
How do you use "treaty" in a sentence?
The treaty has been concluded after many twists and turns.
How do you pronounce "treaty"?
Pronounced /ˈtɹiːti/.
Etymology
The noun is derived from Middle English trete, trety (“bargaining, negotiation; discussion; conference, meeting; entreaty, persuasion; agreement, contract, covenant; arrangement, settlement; agreement between two rulers, states, etc.; written work on a particular subject, treatise; subdivision of a written work, section”) [and other forms], from Anglo-Norman treté, traité, treaté, and Old French traité, traitié [and other forms] (modern French traité (“agreement between two rulers, states, etc.; treatise”)); traité or traitié is: * a noun use of the past participle of traiter (“to treat; to deal with, handle”), from Latin tractāre, the present active infinitive of tractō (“to drag, haul, tug; to handle, manage; to debate, discuss; to exercise, practise; to perform, transact”), from trahō (“to drag, pull”) + -tō (frequentative suffix); and * also from Latin tractātum (“written work on a particular subject, treatise”), from Latin tractātus (“dragged, hauled, tugged; handled, managed; exercised, practised; performed, transacted”), the perfect passive participle of tractō (see above). The verb is derived from the noun.