détente

dé·tente | \ dā-ˈtänt

How to pronounce détente (audio)

\

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

Examples of détente in a Sentence

as the countries move toward détente the start of a détente

Recent Examples on the Web Some analysts believe Oseguera Cervantes attempted to reach a detente with Yépez Ortiz in 2017, and Yépez Ortiz’s reported rejection of the overture prompted the conflict. — Kevin Sieff, BostonGlobe.com, "Mexico arrests Santa Rosa de Lima cartel chief ‘El Marro’," 2 Aug. 2020 Along with the liaison office, which since opening in September 2018 had operated as a de facto embassy between the two Koreas, the North blew up what little was left of a two-year period of inter-Korean detente. — The Economist, "Fighting mockery with munitions North Korea blows up the South’s de facto embassy," 18 June 2020 The former commander predicted that the next three months, which include a number of important anniversaries related to the Korean conflict, could be markers for a detente. — Abraham Mahshie, Washington Examiner, "Former US Forces Korea commander: North Korea needs to be 'agitated' right now," 17 June 2020 The United States and France managed to reach a detente on a brewing trade war sparked by the tax, while the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development tries to broker a global consensus on digital taxation. — Washington Post, "Welcome to The Technology 202, our guide to the intersection of technology and politics.," 2 June 2020 But Kenyatta’s new alliances and his detente with Odinga have helped tip the balance of power in the president’s favor. — David Malingha, Bloomberg.com, "Kenyan President Consolidates Power as Deputy’s Base Ebbs," 5 June 2020 During a brief period of detente between Taipei and Beijing that lasted from 2009 to 2016, Taiwan was invited to the WHA as an observer. — Annabelle Timsit, Quartz, "Taiwan’s status could disrupt the most important global health meeting of this pandemic," 15 May 2020 Traders cheered the move, pushing the yuan to its strongest close in almost six months, but policy wonks were skeptical about a declaration that was timed to coincide with a detente between Washington and Beijing. — Cecile Gutscher, Bloomberg.com, "Five Things You Need to Know to Start Your Day," 10 May 2020 With all sides now sounding the same tune — unity! — the current moment seems to mark a detente. — Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, "How California’s appetite for Oregon’s grapes fueled a wine war," 22 Apr. 2020

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about détente

Dictionary Entries near détente

de te fabula narratur

detention center

Statistics for détente

Last Updated

10 Aug 2020

Cite this Entry

“Détente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9tente. Accessed 11 Aug. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

malaise

Listen to the pronunciation of malaise

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Original Meanings Quiz

Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.