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

All favor deepening alliances and partnerships, modernizing the military, fixing the defense industrial base, strengthening deterrence, tackling transnational challenges such as global public health, and pursuing hardheaded diplomacy with rivals. — Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

Gulf officials at a summit in Bahrain talked up the need for diplomacy to solve the region’s security crisis, yet a sense of helplessness hung over the atmosphere. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Zelenskyy told Fox News in a Sunday interview that Ukraine would suspend strikes on Russian oil refineries for a month if Washington provided Patriot missile interceptors during the same period, potentially opening the door to diplomacy. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

His lack of road diplomacy—his road rage—is heightened to psychopathic degrees and puts everyone in his path at risk. — Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 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