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

Shultz compared diplomacy to gardening. —Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2026

Scientists who worked for and collaborated with Cox were quick to praise her dedication, her diplomacy, and her efforts to expand global flu surveillance. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 25 Apr. 2026

Hezbollah has not participated in the diplomacy brokered by Washington. —Munir Ahmed, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

With Iran being on the world stage even more today, this story of hostage diplomacy and diplomatic terrorism remains as relevant as ever. —Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 Apr. 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