diplomatic

adjective

dip·​lo·​mat·​ic ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik 

1

a

: paleographic

b

: exactly reproducing the original

a diplomatic edition

2

: of, relating to, or concerned with the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations : of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats

diplomatic relations

3

: employing tact and conciliation especially in situations of stress

a diplomatic way to say no

diplomatically

ˌdi-plə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of diplomatic

• politic
• polite

Choose the Right Synonym for diplomatic

suave, urbane, diplomatic, bland, smooth, politic mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered.

suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

Examples of diplomatic in a Sentence

Negotiators are working to restore full diplomatic relations.

a diplomatic attempt at preventing any hurt feelings

Recent Examples on the Web

Like Cuba itself, the diplomatic push was on the brink of collapse. —Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 May 2026

Trump has said numerous times that any final resolution would have to involve Iran relinquishing its nuclear program, either by means of a diplomatic agreement or by force. —Chris Boccia, ABC News, 13 May 2026

Seeking a diplomatic win to counter sinking domestic popularity amid the Iran conflict and inflation, Trump aims to secure Chinese purchases of American goods and establish trade frameworks. —Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026

When Four Seasons later opened its Nile Plaza property across the river, that hotel took on more of the diplomatic and business crowd. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from New Latin diplomaticus, from Latin diplomat-, diploma; in other senses, from French diplomatique connected with documents regulating international relations, from New Latin diplomaticus

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing diplomatic

• diplomatic corps
• diplomatic cover
• diplomatic immunity

Rhymes for diplomatic

• achromatic
• acrobatic
• adriatic
• aliphatic
• antistatic
• aromatic
• astigmatic
• autocratic
• automatic
• bureaucratic
• charismatic
• cholestatic

Kids Definition

diplomatic

adjective

dip·​lo·​mat·​ic ˌdip-lə-ˈmat-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats

diplomatic relations

2

: tactful

found a diplomatic way to say no

diplomatically

-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb