position, signal, strengthen, negotiate, compromise, arbitrate, convene, reward, suggest, recall, size up, join, formalize, associate, finesse, orchestrate, risk, deflect, intervene, decipher, exchange, debate, regulate, facilitate, translate, exempt, broker, assign, obligate, de-escalate, host, confer, counter, ally, rectify, ratify, sanction, defer to, conference, post (ambassador at an embassy), appoint (consul), dispatch (envoy), staff (an embassy), formalize (an agreement), come to an agreement, come to an impasse, manage (a tense situation), sever (diplomatic relations), disarm, mediate, meet, parley, hammer out (an agreement), repatriate, discuss
bore, probe, repeat, pry, protest, bargain, complicate, ensnare, remind, trigger, claim, insinuate, prevaricate, vex, interrupt, obstruct, misunderstand, deny, oppose, debate, harp, argue, carp, refuse, contradict, throw in, revert, blurt out, misspeak, dissent, counter, counterpose, speak out, allege, place, extrapolate, debunk, assert, urge, reiterate, cross-examine, dredge up, hash out, delve, come to the point, enrage, raise one's voice, edge in, stick to, air (complaints), profess, iterate, cavil, rail against, savage
protest, fall out, interrupt, argue, dicker, dispute, quibble, grumble, grouse, gripe, beef, bicker, squabble, counter, bitch, kvetch, nitpick, find fault with, fault, dredge up, disagree, object to, pick a bone with, split hairs about, pick holes in, cavil at, sound off, quarrel, lock horns, have words, pettifog
break off, raise, cue, flash, laugh, answer, indulge, hear, listen, remind, weigh in on, explore, gloss over, brainstorm, smile, inquire, grant, reference, ask, add, schmooze, socialize, stray, throw in, foster, discuss, wander, note, string together, draw parallels, commiserate, hint, sweet-talk, clue, nod (in agreement), chime in, tune out, assume (good intentions), digress, introduce (a newcomer into the conversation), shoot the breeze