détente

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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

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
Russia’s hopes for a new detente under Trump have been shattered by congressional and FBI investigations of the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia.

— Washington Post, "Putin: Russian meddling “fiction” invented by Democrats", 30 May 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.