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

Still, both sides have signaled that diplomacy is not off the table. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 20 July 2026

And education, music, art, diplomacy and violence are all at the intersection of this unlikely partnership. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Trade missions, two‑way investment, student and scientific exchanges, and cultural and digital learning partnerships should be seen as core tools of American diplomacy, not sidebars. — David Bohigian, Fortune, 19 July 2026

Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, chair of Tourism Malaysia, addressed the audience, reaffirming support for MIFFest’s role in strengthening the country’s creative industry and cultural diplomacy. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 July 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