détente

noun dé·tente \ dā-ˈtänt \

variants: or detente

Definition of détente

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

See détente defined for English-language learners

Examples of détente in a Sentence

as the countries move toward détente
the start of a détente

Recent Examples of détente from the Web

But deep skepticism about Russia in the US and ongoing investigations into whether Trump's campaign coordinated with Moscow during last year's election have made a US-Russia detente politically risky for Trump.

— darlene superville and ken thomas, The Christian Science Monitor, "Grins and handshakes as Trump meets Putin at leaders' retreat," 7 July 2017
According to a source for People, the two famous folks have reached a detente in their relationship.

— the editors, Cosmopolitan, "Scott Disick and Bella Thorne Are Reportedly Still Hooking Up, "Have An Understanding"," 29 June 2017
Trump last week announced a partial rollback in the U.S.-Cuban detente initiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama.

— reuters, Fortune, "Cuba Says Regional Marijuana Liberalization is Fueling Drug Trafficking," 22 June 2017
The episode also delivers something the book never does: a detente between Laura and her former best friend, Audrey (Betty Gilpin).

— vanityfair.com, VanityFair.com, "American Gods: Why Laura Moon’s Season-Stealing Turn Should Come as No Surprise," 19 June 2017
The episode also delivers something the book never does: a detente between Laura and her former best friend, Audrey (Betty Gilpin).

— joanna robinson, VanityFair.com, "American Gods: Why Laura Moon’s Season-Stealing Turn Should Come as No Surprise," 19 June 2017
The bar, which serves cocktails with a view over the capital while DJs spin electronic sets, was created in part to cater to a tourist boom in the wake of the U.S.-Cuban detente.

— NBC News, "Cubans Fret New Trump Policy Will Dampen Tourism Boom," 14 June 2017
Many Cubans who have not felt much impact from the detente on their daily lives agree, and feel resigned.

— NBC News, "Cubans Fret New Trump Policy Will Dampen Tourism Boom," 14 June 2017
The American pro-detente group Engage Cuba released a study Thursday asserting that a complete rollback of Obama’s Cuba policy would cost airlines and cruise lines $3.5 billion over the next four years and lead to the loss of 10,154 travel jobs.

— vivian salama, The Seattle Times, "Trump faces tough task unwinding Obama Cuba policy," 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'détente.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of détente

French

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1908

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DÉTENTE Defined for English Language Learners

détente

noun

Definition of détente for English Language Learners

: an ending of unfriendly or hostile relations between countries

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See words that rhyme with détente Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about détente

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