détente

noun dé·tente \ dā-ˈtänt \

variants: or detente

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Examples: détente in a Sentence

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

North Korean media stepped up their rhetorical attacks on South Korea and joint military exercises with the United States, warning Tuesday that a budding detente could be in danger.

— eric talmadge, The Christian Science Monitor, "As summit approaches, North Korea's media sharpens its tone," 22 May 2018
The North claimed the exercises involved U.S. strategic nuclear assets — including nuclear-capable B-52 bombers — and violated the spirit of detente on the peninsula.

— NBC News, "North Korea welcomes journalists for closure of its nuclear site," 22 May 2018
Now, the fate of the 12 female waitresses and one male manager has become an unexpected flashpoint as the two Koreas seek to sustain a monthslong diplomatic detente that has shown signs of unraveling.

— andrew jeong, WSJ, "Fate of 12 North Korean Waitresses Strains Moon-Kim Detente," 23 May 2018
An unofficial detente formed between Cordray and Kucinich, who had exchanged jabs over Cordray's support for guns rights and Kucinich's sending the city of Cleveland into default during his time as mayor.

— seth a. richardson & andrew j. tobias, cleveland.com, "Here are the 9 most interesting storylines from this week's Ohio primary election," 11 May 2018
The world’s largest plane makers were the biggest and earliest beneficiaries of the Obama administration’s detente with Iran.

— nicolas parasie, WSJ, "Boeing, Airbus to Lose Billions in Orders From Trump’s Iran Sanctions," 9 May 2018
The election of President Donald Trump dashed dreams of detente with the U.S., and after two decades of getting Venezuelan subsidies totaling more than $6 billion a year, Cuba's patron has collapsed economically, with no replacement in the wings.

— michael weissenstein and andrea rodriguez, Fox News, "First clues emerge about Cuba's future under new president," 20 Apr. 2018
Donald Trump, who ended the detente with Cuba, stayed home too.

— The Economist, "How long will Latin America support “American values”?," 19 Apr. 2018
The election of President Donald Trump dashed dreams of detente with the U.S., and after two decades of getting Venezuelan subsidies totaling more than $6 billion a year, Cuba’s patron has collapsed economically, with no replacement in the wings.

— Washington Post, "Raul Castro retires as Cuban president, outlines future," 19 Apr. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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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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détente

Definition of détente

Examples of détente in a Sentence

Recent Examples of détente from the Web

Origin and Etymology of détente

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détente

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détente

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