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

Previous attendees of rallies shared with The Star their concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), international diplomacy, rising prices, healthcare cuts and other issues. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026

His go-it-alone attitude, in everything from Vatican diplomacy to communications, extended to his view of doctors. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

The enduring lesson of Reykjavík is not simply about nuclear weapons or diplomacy. — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

This stands in sharp contrast to their roles in the 1991 Gulf War coalition, the post-2014 campaign against ISIS, the maritime coalition against the Houthis in the Red Sea in 2023–24, and the diplomacy that produced the 2015 nuclear deal. — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 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