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

• 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

Counterterrorism strategies must continue to adapt to meet this evolving battleground, leveraging not only military and intelligence tools but also public-private partnerships with tech platforms, AI monitoring, and global diplomacy. —Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025

Rely on your charm and diplomacy to bail you out. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025

As the nation's oldest school of international affairs, SFS offers a strong foundation in global policy, diplomacy and leadership and an alumni network unparalleled in the field. —Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025

But the decision to launch the attack on Qatari soil reverberated instantly through the region and inside the White House, where officials said the strike risked derailing delicate diplomacy. —Nik Popli, Time, 9 Sep. 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