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 show reads as a curious experiment in intra-museum diplomacy, tucked into four modest rooms that bridge the Islamic and European galleries. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Meanwhile, the task of mediation was taken up by Qatar and Pakistan, with Pakistan becoming an unlikely host due to a combination of geographic necessity, deft diplomacy, and shifting regional alliances, analysts say. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux bring a worldly polish to the lakefront, layering diplomacy, design and old European glamour onto the scenery. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The outgoing administration sought to position Colombia as a global leader on climate diplomacy, Amazon protection and a transition away from fossil fuels. — ABC News, 10 July 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