détente

noun

dé·​tente dā-ˈtänt How to pronounce détente (audio)
variants or detente
1
: the relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations)
diplomats brokering a détente
also : a policy promoting this
2
: a period of détente
the beginning of a détente

Examples of détente in a Sentence

as the countries move toward détente the start of a détente
Recent Examples on the Web Over the last several years, Crown Prince Mohammed has reached a detente with Iran, pursued a peace deal with Yemen's Houthi rebels, and also offered himself as a leader in other crises worldwide. Jon Gambrell, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2024 But whatever detente Rowden hoped to achieve quickly collapsed. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2024 The talks led by Hochstein at least provide the possibility of a detente, and a road map for the two sides to follow once the fighting subsides in Gaza, the officials said. John Hudson, Washington Post, 19 Jan. 2024 The activists relented, a detente that earned Busch positive press coverage. Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2023 Humans and the SARS-CoV-2 virus seem to be making progress toward a detente with each other. Helen Branswell, STAT, 22 Dec. 2023 But eventually, networks and streamers will run low on original episodes and media executives will be motivated to reach a detente. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2023 Controversy over Henry Kissinger, the influential former secretary of state who played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War and the U.S. policy of detente during the Cold War, continued Wednesday following news of his death at age 100. Phil Helsel, NBC News, 30 Nov. 2023 Israel’s fight against Hamas, a war in Ukraine that is slipping toward a stalemate and a tenuous detente with China are all competing for the president’s time with less than a year until the 2024 election. Andrew Restuccia, WSJ, 18 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'détente.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of détente was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near détente

Cite this Entry

“Détente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9tente. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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