détente

noun

dé·​tente dā-ˈtänt 

variants or detente

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

The Apollo-Soyuz mission became a defining symbol of detente and a rare moment of cooperation between two nuclear rivals. — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

This after many years of alienation between the two countries and Armenia’s newfound detente with Turkey. — Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The pair reached a detente after that match, exchanging shirts (Beckham had Simeone’s jersey framed and hung in his snooker room). — Nick Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026

The result is a tension stretched nearly to the snapping point, then resolved in an uneasy detente. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1