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

Trump has not acknowledged Qalibaf by name in his statements claiming major breakthroughs in diplomacy between Washington and Tehran. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026

Instead, the text urges all parties to refrain from further escalation and return to the path of diplomacy. —Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026

Cross-border electricity grids, LNG supply agreements, mineral partnerships, and technology standards are becoming instruments of diplomacy as much as economic policy. —Derek Chollet, semafor.com, 25 Mar. 2026

With the conflict having disrupted much of the world's oil supplies, markets remain highly sensitive to any headline suggesting either escalation or diplomacy. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 24 Mar. 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