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

Russia’s war in Ukraine is stalling — on the battlefield and in the corridors of diplomacy. — Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 30 June 2026

Melvin Bouva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation is aligning diplomacy with economic transformation. — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026

The event simultaneously marks the international cultural diplomacy organization’s 25th anniversary. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 June 2026

His diplomacy skills may well come in handy as Boulder County wrestles with its mountain bike issue. — John Meyer, Denver Post, 29 June 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