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

What To Know Putin's comments follow days of high diplomacy, which included attending the Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO) summit, celebrations in Tiananmen Square marking the end of World War II and meetings with world leaders. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

The institutional foundations for meaningful diplomacy need nurturing. —semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The initiative also supports Quezon City’s cultural diplomacy efforts, reinforcing its status as the film capital of the Philippines and strengthening its bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

China counters with state planning, infrastructure diplomacy, and multilateral outreach. —Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 2 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