diplomacy

noun

di·​plo·​ma·​cy də-ˈplō-mə-sē 

1

: the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations

2

: skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility : tact

handled the awkward situation with diplomacy

Synonyms of diplomacy

• manners
• tact
• sensitivity
• gallantry
• tactfulness
• consideration

Examples of diplomacy in a Sentence

She has had a long and distinguished career in diplomacy.

The government avoided a war by successfully resolving the issues through diplomacy.

This is a situation that calls for tactful diplomacy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Jackson’s presence in the Bay Area went beyond campaign stops and global diplomacy. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

As more than 10 nations in Europe are participating in the F-35 program, this raises concerns related to Trump’s tariff-heavy diplomacy. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026

That’s the nature of diplomacy. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026

Last year, the Irish government opened Ireland House Chicago on Michigan Avenue, which brings Ireland’s diplomatic and economic teams together under one roof to create a hub for diplomacy and trade promotion. —Brian Cahalane, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see diplomatic

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diplomacy

• dollar diplomacy
• gunboat diplomacy
• shuttle diplomacy

Kids Definition

diplomacy

noun

di·​plo·​ma·​cy də-ˈplō-mə-sē 

1

: the work of keeping up relations between the governments of different countries

2

: skill in dealing with others without causing bad feelings : tact