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

But aside from the hard-hitting diplomacy, photographs released by the White House captured a rare candid moment between the two leaders. —Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025

Its rapid appearance was the result of determined diplomacy by small island states, who were justifiably concerned that any greater rise in temperature would prove unsurvivable. —Sophie Yeo, The Dial, 4 Nov. 2025

Much of Chinese diplomacy during the early 2000s was keyed to upending this pillar of the world order. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025

These overlapping vulnerabilities show why water governance is such a key issue for security, diplomacy and development. —Pintu Kumar Mahla, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025

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