mediation

Third-party reconciliation

Mediation is the process of resolving a dispute through a neutral third party who helps the opposing sides reach an agreement.

Unlike arbitration or litigation, mediation doesn't impose a decision—the mediator facilitates discussion and negotiation, but the parties themselves must agree to any resolution.

The term extends beyond legal contexts to describe any intervention aimed at reconciling differences: The teacher's mediation helped the two students work out their conflict.

In technical contexts, mediation refers to an intermediate step or mechanism that connects two processes or systems.

diplomacy

treaty

Binding pact between nations

summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
envoyAccredited diplomatic representative
bilateralInvolving two parties

multilateral · ceasefire · armistice · detente · peacekeeping · international · statecraft · accord · pact · intervention

negotiation

bargaining

Negotiating mutually acceptable terms

dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
discussionExchange of ideas
talksSpeaks with others

agreement · deal-making · compromise · trade-offs · haggling · contract · terms · concession · middle-ground · give-and-take

dispute

arbitration

Non-court binding dispute resolution

settlementResolved dispute or colony
resolutionFormal decision or determination
neutralNot favoring any side

third-party · conflict · tribunal · adjudication · intercession · go-between · moderator · hearing · panel · umpire

spiritual

reconciliation

Restoration of friendly relations

healingRestoration of health
forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
intercessionActing on another's behalf

prayer · restoration · harmony · unity · bridge-building · atonement · peace · understanding · compassion · dialogue

workplace

grievance

Formal claim of unfairness

HREmployee management department
employeeHired organizational member
disputeVerbal clash over differences

harassment · complaint · union · management · ombudsman · policy · resolution · confidential · voluntary · workplace

divorce

custody

Protective care or control

visitationOfficial or formal visit
alimonyCourt-ordered post-divorce payments
co-parentingJoint child-rearing by separated adults

settlement · division · spousal · collaborative · amicable · separation · ex-spouse · noncustodial · dissolution · assets

Categories

collaborationteamwork, partnership, co-creation, alliance, sharing
communication skillspersuasion, active listening, empathy, body language, storytelling
peacepeace, peaceful, peacefully, peace sign, peace symbol
negotiationbargaining, bargain, negotiate, compromise, conciliation
conflict resolutioncompromise, negotiation, reconciliation, dialogue, peacemaking
interaction stylescooperation, collaboration, competition, negotiation, confrontation

Opposites

conflict resolution method

mediationlitigation

Legal dispute process

lawsuit · court battle · trial · combat · warfare

intervention intent

mediationprovocation

Act that triggers response

instigation · agitation · incitement · escalation · antagonism

engagement vs. non-engagement

mediationnon-intervention

Policy of staying uninvolved

non-involvement · indifference · disengagement · inaction · neutrality

Phrases

divorce mediationFacilitated marital separation process
family mediationResolving relatives' disputes neutrally
conflict mediationFacilitated dispute settlement
peer mediationStudent-led dispute resolution
legal mediationFacilitated dispute settlement
mediation skillsAbilities to resolve disputes

Family

mediating, remediation, mediations

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G