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

Tehran concluded that American diplomacy can serve as cover for the next attack. —Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 19 June 2026

Presidents have often used the Camp David compound, built in 1938, as a venue for diplomacy with foreign leaders. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Oil prices are easing as ceasefire talks advance, but the real story is that the market defused the Hormuz crisis long before diplomacy did. —George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Critically, Tehran must contend with hardliners firmly entrenched within the regime, including influential figures who have fiercely opposed the terms of the current agreement with Washington and have previously attempted to sabotage diplomacy to push for war. —Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 18 June 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