pact

An official agreement between countries to do something together or avoid doing something.

• The countries signed a peace pact.
• Their trade pact opened new markets.
• Several nations have joined the defence pact.

How to use it: pact between A and B (The pact between the two countries reduced border checks.); pact with someone (The government signed a defence pact with its neighbour.)

Similar words: agreement, treaty, accord

Common phrases: peace pact, trade pact, sign a pact

A firm agreement between people or groups to do something or keep a promise.

• We made a pact to help each other.
• He broke their pact by revealing the secret.
• The friends kept their pact for many years.

How to use it: pact to do something (We made a pact to stay in touch.); pact with someone (She made a pact with her sister.)

Similar words: agreement, compact, covenant

Common phrases: make a pact, secret pact, pact of silence