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

The meeting's postponement shows how difficult that diplomacy has become as the conflict spreads. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

Kushner’s methods and negotiating tactics have baffled foreign-policy experts—and his diplomacy appears inseparable from his private business pursuits around the world. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Your diplomacy can keep the exchange considerate, but don’t soften the message until its meaning disappears. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026

Powerful Native nations and smaller communities resisted and limited colonial aggression through diplomacy, alliances, petitions and court cases, and wars of resistance. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 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