thumb, poke, contact, idle, ping, connect, tweet, call, answer, tag, hide, post, wait, transmit, display, pin, liveblog, scroll, check, discover, join, announce, peruse, ditch, edit, address, text, troll, receive, trade, chat, host, network, link, forward, enter, share, subscribe, lose (signal), reply, skype, request, notify, blog, message, send (a message), come in/through, retweet, favorite, im (instant message), next (someone), end (a call), like (a facebook post), sign on/off, buzz up, friend, unfriend, comment (on social media), retrieve (a message), tag (on facebook), mention (in a blog), unlike, socialize (on a device), instagram, repin, connect (on a device), go viral
negotiate, organize, threaten, suggest, represent, promote, market, convince, persuade, target, pressure, enlist, steward, cajole, circulate, enumerate, champion, complain, schmooze, petition, testify, plead, advocate, argue (one's position), present (one's position to a government official), protect (interests), urge, fight for (an issue), publicize (a client's position), work the room, conscientize, reiterate, write off (a congressman as unsympathetic), book (an appointment), appeal to (a lawmaker)
dislodge, stiffen, forge, solicit, lead, restrain, climb, fend off, represent, direct, mastermind, deflect, ward off, stave off, enlist, advise, succeed, outdo, outstrip, mobilize, rival, displace, found, distinguish (oneself), contest, rebuff, take on, fight for, surmount, rely on, swear in, summon, supersede, outrank, circumvent, count (among one's cohorts), drive (oneself), stake (a claim), establish (oneself), prove (capable), prove (oneself), arm, advance (an agenda), empower (aids), drive (others)
clobber, dislodge, oust, invade, commandeer, bribe, bluff, backstab, sabotage, scheme, put at risk, subvert, usurp, hijack, parry, take over, monopolize, take advantage of, conquer, step on, battle, corrupt, depose, overthrow, attempt to (oust), dredge up, mudsling, work up (fear/xenophobia), consort with, seize (power)
turn toward, brace, rise, gird, assemble, brave, solicit, rocket, train, strategize, face, funnel, risk, dare, formulate, gain, mobilize, skyrocket, discipline, step up, hone, envision, contest, determine, prepare, lobby, upstage, ready, soldier on, muster, strive, surmount, set off/about, count (among one's cohorts), apply one's skills, aspire, grasp (what one's constituency wants)
shunt, turn over, parcel out, direct, tax, staff, enlist, delegate, allocate, demand, brief, assign, dispense, apportion, entrust, accord, portion out, farm out, request, call for, distribute (tasks among others), charge (someone with a responsibility), specify (tasks), engage (others), secure (deputies), call together, put someone on a task
figure out, order, convene, protect, strategize, act as, call attention to, pen, direct, pass, funnel, assess, oversee, delegate, mobilize, govern, relegate, brief, found, decide, veto, network, head, channel, rule, police, lobby, legislate, assemble (a team), take charge, manage (a project), nominate, appoint, decode, summon, author, name (issues), appoint (deputies), field (requests), grant (interviews), chair, bridge (differences), speak to (issues), solve (problems), press for, orate, deploy, bring to the attention of, accord (power), assemble (stakeholders to solve problems), officiate, lead (progress meetings)
prize, applaud, plaster, tweet, reward, deify, attribute, gush, value, award, admire, credit, praise, honor, revere, commend, esteem, recognize, distinguish, venerate, commemorate, memorialize, pay tribute, congratulate, worship, respect, validate, treasure, acclaim, dedicate, set apart/above, put on a pedestal, extol the virtues of, name one's baby after, stick (a lawn sign), blog
model, benefit from, rocket, set apart, impress, finesse, vitalize, capitalize on, breathe new life into, dignify, stand out, deserve, peak, triumph, conscientize, father, win the support of, consort, stand up/for, stand strong (in the face of), refuse to (buckle), lower (standards), ride on the coattails of
seize, brush aside, compromise, dictate, strut, crow, trot out, dominate, evade, cover up, swagger, front, trick, bribe, sell out, bluff, exaggerate, polarize, scheme, rescind, vacillate, parry, take over, monopolize, escalate, dicker, pander, campaign, waffle, lobby, brag, drag one's feet, recant, dither, instigate, miscalculate, mudsling, misspend (public money), march off, bash (the press), throw mud, score points (with special interest groups), exploit (one's position), promise (more than one can deliver), smoothtalk, fire up, overpromise
tackle, fabricate, devise, brave, compromise, blaze, impress, front, originate, orchestrate, take over, succeed, revitalize, vitalize, serve, motivate, innovate, bring together, inspire, unite, trump, upstage, soldier on, win the respect of (constituents), speak out/up, eclipse (one's opponents), de-escalate (tensions), campaign (for a cause), show (compassion), fire up
squash, bust, crush, hover, suppress, dominate, overpower, corner, stalk, bear down, menace, threaten, block, hijack, impose, squelch, censor, forbid, coerce, berate, scare, blackmail, harass, terrorize, bully, provoke, frighten, loom, disconcert, interrogate, tail, torment, goad, antagonize, bark (orders), censure, harangue, blacklist, victimize, hector
broadcast, hold, plug, suppress, tweet, trumpet, hide, post, conceal, leak, distort, announce, spin, schedule, divulge, mislead, persuade, dissemble, deflect, sidestep, correct, report, argue, publicize, disseminate, tout, influence, reveal, disclose, explain, state, issue (a statement), defend (a position), advertise (one's accomplishments), make known, make public, put out (an announcement), spread (a rumor), time (the release of information), call (a press conference), issue (press release), prepare (a press release), draft (a press release), mold (public opinion), misinform
strangle, smother, manipulate, fire, boot out, replace, suppress, dictate, charge, hide, dominate, overpower, bear down, menace, threaten, conceal, cover up, paper over, plot, exploit, commandeer, tip off, outwit, scheme, conspire, pay off, hijack, intrude, co-opt, invalidate, pressure, suspend, filibuster, cross, cut off, forestall, throttle, stifle, obstruct, deprive, repress, sack, monopolize, coerce, mandate, stipulate, mete out, step on, break (a promise/trust), scuttle (a plan), intimidate, foist, tempt, blackmail, subordinate, pull rank, play off, bend (rules), decry, stonewall, eliminate, override, bastardize, shut out, lambaste, ram through
boost, supply, parcel out, assist, protect, dole out, reward, endow, award, back, recommend, designate, capitalize, fund, support, grant, allot, guarantee, incentivize, affiliate, found, loan, invest, bail out, contribute, donate, lend, apportion, benefit, bestow, champion, undertake, pledge, stand up for, sanction, validate, exact, accord, tithe, co-found, nominate, advocate, author, impart, stake (one's reputation on), bear (the cost), father, earmark (funds), cover the cost of, lend (one's name to), dedicate (time/money), bequeath (a portion of one's estate), devote (resources to)
force, crush, bar, dictate, trammel, subject, catch, dominate, overpower, curb, subdue, command, control, exploit, claim, scheme, impinge on/upon, censor, stifle, deprive, deny, ban, limit, take over, oppress, demand, subjugate, foist, compel, subordinate, harass, persecute, wear down, violate (civil rights), lock up/away, perpetrate, disarm, insist, beleaguer, mete out (punishment), decree, flatten (the opposition), block (information), plague (people with regulations), crack down on, restrict (freedom of movement/speech), thwart (internet communications), track (electronic communications), impose (restrictions), overturn (laws), undermine (efforts at self-determination), lord over
force, chain, round up, restrain, confine, trail, sabotage, tax, waylay, hinder, impede, obstruct, shut off/down, sequester, accost, blockade, quarantine, lock up, incarcerate, imprison, detain, shut in, lay siege, besiege, restrict (movement), block (voters via roadblocks), close off/down, enslave, fetter, hold captive, place (under house arrest), fence in/out, tariff
slam, charge, attack, libel, slander, defame, vilify, backstab, disparage, slur, insult, smear, malign, blame, allege, denigrate, reproach, inveigh against, denounce, lambaste, accuse, excoriate, fault, affront, mudsling, censure, defile, dig up, muckrake, foment, deprecate, calumniate, rake over the coals, sully (one's reputation)
brush aside, shrug, wave, degrade, tear down, mock, overlook, ignore, disregard, tease, cast off, gloss over, dare, invalidate, reject, spurn, demoralize, marginalize, chastise, condescend, discount, patronize, snub, turn on/against, decry, disparage, ridicule, insult, revile, smear, rebuff, repudiate, pronounce, trivialize, joke, demean, humiliate, ostracize, dismiss, pity, feel sorry for, look down on, discredit, put down, belittle, denigrate, deride, embolden, grin, smirk, scorn, sneer, snicker, snigger, taunt, infantilize, castigate, slight, scoff at, shun, snort at, amuse oneself (at someone's expense), laugh at, toss aside/out, refuse (to engage), jilt, disdain, treat with contempt, cold shoulder, parody, speak down to, knock down a rung (on the social ladder), savage
handle, settle, lubricate, devise, protect, scheme, accommodate, grant, donate, gift, bestow, introduce, ensure, exonerate, aid, transport, arrange (a deal), slip (information), clear the way, grease the skids, broker (a plan), ease (someone's way), exempt (someone from fulfilling a duty), secure (a position), hand out (a badge), hook up with, make something go away, buffalo
secure, protect, enclose, shepherd, hide, flank, conceal, cover, screen, guarantee, save, patronize, fortify, shield, forge (an alliance), strong-arm, guard, safeguard, shelter, hold off, escort, arm, keep out, offer (sanctuary/asylum), heighten (security), assign (a bodyguard), seal off, circle (a group with police), patrol, harbor, provide (sanctuary), fend off (marauders), spare, provide (new identity), sentinel
cast off/out, bar, replace, order, dismantle, suppress, infiltrate, restrain, overtake, curb, recall, foil, douse, direct, finesse, cancel, abort, restrict, filibuster, thwart, hinder, impede, deter, squelch, prohibit, prevent, impinge on/upon, censor, stifle, deprive, cripple, disable, reject, deny, ban, forbid, ward off, stave off, limit, repress, regulate, demand, prevail, mandate, scuttle (a plan), phase out, refuse, stonewall, overturn, veto, abolish, override, stunt, resist, rebuff, repel, isolate, police, outlaw, pardon, exclude, rule (illegal), force (out), push out/away, choke off (funding), subject (to regulation), render (impotent), defang
score, certify, manumit (slaves), authenticate, back, promote, orchestrate, intervene, authorize, facilitate, mandate, stipulate, steward, expedite, release, sponsor, enforce, levy, champion, reform, foster, allocate (funds), influence, garner (support), testify, usher in, bring to bear, ensure, enact, appoint, summon, exercise (influence), broker (a deal), smooth out (disagreements), tap into (one's base), settle (a dispute), assert (one's leverage), impel, assign (staff to work on an issue), dignify (a cause), pass (a resolution), preside over, call up/on
dump, bar, remove, blot out, obliterate, exploit, ditch, mastermind, rescind, prohibit, reject, ban, sack, monopolize, subjugate, wipe out, decline, refuse, stonewall, eliminate, abolish, rebuff, repudiate, persecute, trivialize, terminate, deny (rights), exclude, impose (restrictions), throw out, excommunicate, turn down/away, relegate (to obscurity), consign (to menial tasks), expunge (from the record), leave out, keep out, erase (select parts of history), expropriate, counteract (instincts)
force, yank, defenestrate, evict, expel, deport, boot out, scatter, order, unseat, overpower, orchestrate, rout, displace, marginalize, purge, line up, eliminate, cleanse, beat back, expunge, repel, segregate, ostracize, turn away, overthrow, punish, drive out, shear (of power/belongings), cast out, throw out, banish, resettle (refugees on less desirable land), strand, excommunicate
oust, topple, dismantle, knock down/over, compromise, unseat, sabotage, subvert, impair, undermine, ruin, doom, defeat, cripple, damage, conquer, displace, take down, undercut, overturn, lay waste, rebel, defy, depose, revolt, overthrow, bring down, rise up, remove (from office/power), strip of (power/resources), dethrone, mutiny
discern, discriminate, think for oneself, set oneself apart, think, practice what one preaches, practice (restraint), take the high road, follow (a moral path), practice (mindfulness), open one's heart, use one's mind, treat others well, work hard, expect (chaos/challenges), keep one's head up, show compassion, man up, disavow
chip away, assault, blindside, demolish, destroy, break, overrun, obliterate, scar, flood, drain, contaminate, sabotage, pay off, ransack, ruin, sap, suck out, spoil, eradicate, annihilate, snuff out, exterminate, impoverish, enervate, reduce to, blight, overdo, lambaste, infect, punish, inflict, lay siege, besiege, strip (a cathedral of its art and gold), deplete (stocks/supplies), bleed (dry)
stir, bait, threaten, arouse, intensify, bribe, tip off, convince, persuade, propagandize, lure, sway, escalate, argue, entice, tempt, pump up, provoke, inflame, insult, incense, rouse, aggravate, exacerbate, madden, needle, instigate, affront, arm, foment, anger, incite, pit against, promise, pay (mercenaries), push (one's buttons), rile (up), enrage, infuriate, whip (into a frenzy), twist (one's words)
emphasize, alternate, figure in (context), communicate, divulge, sort out, puzzle out, contribute, build on, empathize, convey, discuss, explain, bear in mind, explicate, come to the point, articulate, participate, level with, hear someone out, turn around (prejudices/assumptions), make a point, answer (an accusation), exchange (views/hopes), language, dialogue, slow (one's speech), express (empathy)
trim, tweak, inject, insert, settle, fine-tune, negotiate, bargain, earmark, recall, satisfy, define, scale back, draft, haggle, formalize, hammer out, budget, appropriate, retract, rescind, evaluate, comply, accommodate, allocate, exempt, specify, mandate, approve, guarantee, incentivize, affiliate, co-create, reach, enumerate, quibble, rephrase, defend, capitulate, amend, overturn, veto, repeal, tack on, expunge, pledge, counter, legislate, qualify, language, cinch (a deal), lobby (for)
settle, lead, prompt, suggest, direct, set up, enlist, steward, assure, ask, bring together, bring to the table, bridge, put forward, request, clarify, draw out, articulate, marshal, step into (a leadership role), map out (a process), allot (a specific length of time), assemble (the parties), cultivate (an atmosphere of mutual respect), organize (a discussion), promote (an atmosphere of), assign (assistants to oversee), set the stage for
assist, protect, soothe, highlight, cover, illuminate, scrutinize, detect, illustrate, review, orchestrate, contrive, restrict, redirect, verify, modulate (one's voice), contextualize, rein in, consult, summarize, integrate, enable, amend, moderate, channel, empower, empathize, validate, encapsulate, accord, differentiate, impress upon, conscientize, mediate, take into consideration, clarify, point out, sound out, language, grant (legitimacy), reference (guidelines), validate (someone's point of view), maintain (focus), field (objections/questions), gauge (level of engagement/readiness), smooth out/over, understand (divergent perspectives), respect (each party)
team up, cooperate, align, fine-tune, refine, assist, complement, pick someone's brain, infuse, brainstorm, collaborate, enlist, pool (resources), join forces, consult, hone, supplement, combine, enhance, enrich, come together, help, partner, bridge, bring (to the table), corroborate, group, share, regroup, pull together, work together, recruit (experts), exchange (ideas), bounce off, lend (support/tools), raise (questions), monitor (results), share (knowledge/skills), put (their heads together), liaise
analyze, count, organize, outline, sketch, run up the flagpole, classify, schedule, collaborate, assess, manage, come up with, delegate, consolidate, affiliate, shuffle, reshuffle, reorganize, draft (an agreement), split (workload), firm up (division of labor), carve up (duties), divide (tasks), negotiate (division of labor), draw up (an agreement), share (files)
install, outfit, tackle, generate, weigh, devise, shape, strategize, suggest (names), weigh in on, coordinate, size up, design, vet, form, hammer out, funnel, set up, brainstorm, orchestrate, concoct, venture, deliberate, turn to, figure in, enlist, advise, execute, formulate, develop, initiate, stipulate, incentivize, issue, campaign, innovate, co-create, procure, firm up, undertake, envision, rustle up, determine, prepare, factor in, emulate, plunge into, instigate, commit, solidify, pioneer, endeavor, institute, embark, map out, build a team, draw in/up, assemble (a board of directors), ready (a team), instill (expectations), launch (a campaign), cultivate (teamwork), call upon, solicit (signatures)
contract, tweak, set aside, fine-tune, order, dole out, coordinate, size up, check, book, formalize, schedule, communicate, hand over, set up, orchestrate, rescind, sort out, rule out, execute, allocate, specify, chart, allot, consult, make an offer, procure, firm up, invite, arrange, prepare, put forward, tick off, actualize, put in place, take care of, figure in/out, solidify, set about, see to, block out (time), chip in (toward a cost), assign (tasks), locate (a site/venue), reserve, overbook
bend, stoop, shut up, back away/off, retreat, surrender, buckle, weaken, yield, stand down, cope, comply, submit to, abandon (hope), ingratiate, relent, capitulate, lose ground, deign, defer to, give in/up, give up/in, hold in/back, recant, throw in the towel, step down, withdraw (demands), concede defeat, damp down, submit (one's resignation), admit defeat, knuckle under, sneak off, drop out (of a race), desist, disavow
bend, stoop, fold, break, compromise, concede, submit, retreat, surrender, buckle, cut one's losses, jettison, weaken, sink, hand over, abdicate, back (away/down), yield, forfeit, succumb, resign oneself to, accept, comply, conform, withdraw, lose, trade, repay, swap, wither, sacrifice, flag, relent, apologize, capitulate, oblige, wilt, give in/up, cave in, forgo, come away with, cave, drop (one's agenda), shut down (a venture), settle for, admit (defeat), promise to, agree to (monitoring), grant (copyright/authorship), waive (one's rights), split (the difference), be the bigger person, disavow
cooperate, compromise, concede, curb, indulge, heed, satisfy, check, adjust, divulge, accommodate, reconcile, support, chip in, co-create, appreciate, excuse, soften one's tone, apologize, praise, pledge, bridge, care, corroborate, pitch in, consent, express (appreciation), agree, stand (together/with), agree on (a shared agenda), foster (goodwill), build relationship, accept (each perspective as valid), validate (another's point of view), synthesize (points of view), cultivate (tolerance/patience)
weigh, wait, tone down, temper, step back, restrain oneself, exercise (restraint), assure, postpone, rephrase, relent, apologize, blunt, redress, allow, compliment, disarm, reassure, settle down, time, commiserate, spare, hear someone out, calm (down/oneself), curb (one's anger/reactivity), dial down/back, acknowledge (a different point of view), agree (with), hear (an opposing view), back off/down, tread (lightly), respect (differences), retract (an inflammatory statement), exercise restraint
cooperate, contain, bargain, soothe, indulge, give in, finesse, dance around, yield, field, comply, conform, table, accommodate, submit to, furnish, grant, win over, assure, appreciate, relent, apologize, assuage, soften (the tone), oblige, appease, conciliate, pacify, placate, allay, gratify, mollify, acquiesce, satisfy (demands), relieve, reassure, smooth out, agree to, bottle up, retract (an inflammatory statement), back down/off, adapt to, withdraw (a demand), accede (to someone's demands), assent, consent to, propitiate, alleviate (fears of domination), sweeten (the deal), lighten up, withdraw (demands), disavow
tweak, devise, bargain, compromise, arbitrate, haggle, hammer out, exchange, pin down, cater to, incentivize, trade, broker, barter, propose, throw in, stand one's ground, exact, parley, hash out, promise, swap (concessions), thrash out, cut a deal, jockey for, modify (one's original proposal), arrive at (an agreement)
protest, deify, authenticate, claim, verify, deal with, field, justify, substantiate, demonstrate, address, snap back, dispute, glorify, account for, quote, excuse, defend, endorse, counter, idealize, prove, confirm, validate, hold forth, rationalize, reiterate, attest, explain, contend, qualify, restate, back up (one's claim), vouch, bend (the truth), dance around (a sensitive topic), elaborate
weigh, unlock, reward, ferret, give someone a minute, discern, divulge, admit, assess, tread lightly, self-censor, accommodate, rethink, advise, consult, broker, sum up, advocate, regroup, coax, wait (for the right moment), ration out (information), extend (oneself), back down/off, distinguish (workable ideas from impractical ones)
pick up (steam/the pace), untangle, cultivate, elevate (standards), raise (standards), embed, unravel, lead to, revitalize (the work), reinforce (the work ethic), validate (results), straighten out (problems), enlarge (the pool of ideas), expand (the scope of an undertaking), broaden (the group perspective), ingrain (principles), fix (methods/inconsistencies), root out/for, establish (standards)
lift, wind up, fuel, tap into, rally, charge, start, nudge, prompt, kindle, awaken, arouse, stimulate, spark, ignite, convince, sway, vitalize, mobilize, stoke, excite, encourage, enthuse, compel, motivate, incentivize, invigorate, seed, pump up, revive, foster, inspire, rouse, cheer, uplift, urge, exhort, summon, kick-start, impel, kick off, exert, fire up, coax, jumpstart, spur, rev up, prop, turn on/up, call to/up, light (a fire/candle), marshal, pique (interest)
press, slack off, attack, control, tattle, implicate, slander, scheme, conspire, connive, pressure, micromanage, criticize, dicker, dispute, underperform, quibble, complain, carp, grumble, shirk, gossip, disparage, ridicule, provoke, blame, exact, incriminate, fault, dredge up, harangue, rub someone the wrong way, report (bribery/misconduct), refuse (advances), chronicle (grievances), perform (poorly)
cooperate, draw up, compromise, concede, listen, water down, break through, adjust, navigate, redefine, persevere, defer, accommodate, reconcile, come around, relent, honor, accord (respect), figure out/in, formalize (an agreement), see something through, agree to, set about (finding common ground), shape (a feasible proposal), aim for (agreement), forge (a way forward), consider (everyone's concerns), appreciate (the other party), break down (a proposal), require (agreement on ground rules), cut through (ideology), accept (compromise), balance (needs), sacrifice (a demand to keep the peace), modify (one's original demand), negotiate (a contract), adopt (a contract)
tweak, devise, draw up, settle on, conceive, suggest, cover up, sketch, formalize, plot, scheme, orchestrate, concoct, forestall, mull over, assess, consider, evaluate, field, come up with, advise, formulate, develop, specify, judge, prioritize, map, introduce, prepare, caution, brew, consent, instigate, counsel, note (concerns), sort out (a way forward), hatch (ideas), generate (a plan), propose (diplomacy), demand (secrecy), hammer out (a way forward)
settle, generate, devise, draw up, cover up, sketch, formalize (a pr campaign), scheme, forestall, sort out, mull over, assess, consider, evaluate, advise, judge, jockey, prioritize, propose, caution, note (concerns), clear up (discrepancies), measure (damage), define (risk), hatch (ideas for solutions), prepare (a public statement), hammer out (way forward), orchestrate (a cover-up), specify (a pr campaign), suggest (damage control)
tweak, devise, draw up, conceive, present, suggest, sketch, design, formalize, originate, concoct, sort out, mull over, assess, evaluate, field, come up with, formulate, specify, judge, jockey, prioritize, co-create, propose, map, introduce, prepare, instigate, hammer out (a way forward), generate (interest), hatch (ideas/a plan), meet (a deadline)
frame, strategize, sketch, discern, delineate, lay out, diagram, hammer out, agree to disagree, evaluate, table, rethink, formulate, develop, chart, conciliate, bridge, farm out, clarify, map out, plan (a strategy), park (an idea), assign (accountability), predict (roadblocks), stake out (competition), reflect on (outstanding issues)
devise, conceive, suggest, elicit, design, invent, mull over, ponder, develop, prioritize, co-create, propose, include, envision, prepare, cook up, map out, sort through, conjure, clear up (discrepancies), note (possibilities), clarify (creative tension), define (a purpose), hash out (mission statement), restate (a mission statement), generate (a brand), dream (up), introduce (a mission statement), draw up (a mission statement), tweak (language), settle on (a brand), blue-sky, think out of the box, explore (possibilities), create (a mission)
generate, devise, draw up, suggest, design, associate, concoct, interrupt, assess, consider, evaluate, come up with, advise, formulate, specify, judge, jockey, prioritize, affiliate, co-create, cultivate, propose, introduce, network, prepare, skype, facetime, meet, consent, instigate, sign in, create (a code name), type in, develop (relationship)
protest, claim, deny, dance around, field, justify, substantiate, contextualize, snap back, dispute, reference, account for, excuse, counter, overstate, validate, puff, glorify (one's role), make excuses, rationalize, reiterate, attest, vindicate, explain, contend, qualify, restate, bend (the truth), defend (one's position), work out (a justification), cover (all one's bases), give a justification for, answer for, give an explanation for
brush aside, elude, evade, attack, ignore, bluff, exaggerate, oversimplify, omit (information), deflect, deviate, reject, divert (attention), parry, dodge, stave off, justify, maintain, complain, skirt, excuse, dismiss, avert, dance around (the topic), make excuses, recant, wander, qualify, ramble, tune out, digress, stray (off-topic)
hammer, handle, fire, maneuver, steer, negotiate, submit, elicit, adher to, run something up the flagpole, size up, confront, jockey, cajole, cultivate, bank on, apologize, joke, trump, acquiesce, dig up, coax, heed (advice), air (grievances), promise (something one can't deliver), offer solutions, replace (a problematic employee), impose (boundaries), emphasize (the positive), sacrifice (a position), overpromise