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 Vatican has long been engaged in Middle Eastern diplomacy, and in 2021 Pope Francis hosted Lebanese Christian leaders in the Vatican to address the country’s political crisis. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025

If diplomacy falters, the administration could escalate military or covert operations. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

Yet Europe’s role in diplomacy around Ukraine has been lacking. —Olga Tokariuk, Time, 25 Nov. 2025

In fact, most food gifts can transcend socioeconomic boundaries, age, and culture and serve as little acts of diplomacy. —Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 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