diplomacy

noun

di·​plo·​ma·​cy də-ˈplō-mə-sē 

1

: the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations

2

: skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility : tact

handled the awkward situation with diplomacy

Synonyms of diplomacy

• manners
• tact
• sensitivity
• gallantry
• tactfulness
• consideration

Examples of diplomacy in a Sentence

She has had a long and distinguished career in diplomacy.

The government avoided a war by successfully resolving the issues through diplomacy.

This is a situation that calls for tactful diplomacy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Although the meeting went smoothly and led to concrete commitments, the bonhomie was strained by uncomfortable questions at a news conference about the issue hanging over the day’s diplomacy. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026

Use your natural diplomacy to propose a fair win, like choosing a playlist for the commute that marries the tastes of all passengers. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026

Europe's response European leaders, who had previously been reluctant to exercise megaphone diplomacy in defense of Greenland, changed tack earlier in the week. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026

Any project involving multiple designers requires plenty of open conversation and some healthy design diplomacy, but all the more so in the case of a recent renovation to an Upper West Side town house. —David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see diplomatic

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diplomacy

• dollar diplomacy
• gunboat diplomacy
• shuttle diplomacy

Kids Definition

diplomacy

noun

di·​plo·​ma·​cy də-ˈplō-mə-sē 

1

: the work of keeping up relations between the governments of different countries

2

: skill in dealing with others without causing bad feelings : tact