DictionarycompactFormal agreement
noun

compact

A formal agreement between parties.

The two states honor a compact governing their shared river.

Etymology

The Latin noun names an agreement. A compact brings parties into a settled arrangement, preserving the idea of terms accepted together rather than physical smallness.

More examples

  • The tribe signs a compact with the state.
  • Under the compact, both universities share research facilities.
  • These regional compacts establish rules for sharing water during droughts.

Forms

compact · compacts

Similar words

pact
Often emphasizes a solemn promise or commitment between parties.
treaty
Specifically an official agreement between countries or sovereign governments.
agreement
Broader term that also includes informal arrangements and shared opinions.