: 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
Example Sentences
as the countries move toward détente
the start of a détente
Recent Examples on the WebBut Tyler and Perry and the rest of the band have reached a detente with time by just refusing to engage: The Fountain of Youth seems to be play.—Tim Molloy, SPIN, 9 Sep. 2022 But most agree that, in any case, SDI helped end the Cold War, either by building up a scary arsenal or by bringing about detente.—Amy Shira Teitel, Discover Magazine, 14 Sep. 2018 The suggestion of a detente was first raised when Mr. Musk tweeted a video that appeared to be taken in the parklike setting on the grounds of the Apple headquarters.—Tim Higgins, WSJ, 30 Nov. 2022 After all, Patterson has long maintained an indulgent detente with his friend and fellow Floridian.—Ron Charles, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2022 Watch 50 discuss his detente with Mayweather on The Breakfast Club below.—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 Aug. 2022 With technologies like flash pasteurization or flash detente, modern winemakers can instantaneously heat and then cool wine or grapes with little negative effect on flavor or freshness.—Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 22 Sep. 2022 The hopes of detente in the 1970s evaporated, and superpower tension escalated.—David E. Hoffman, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2022 Journeyman writer-director Mark Steven Johnson is smart enough to let this war of attrition — and the inevitable detente and romance — play out over a good long stretch in the middle of his movie.—Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2022 See More
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.
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