diplomatic

adjective dip·lo·mat·ic \ ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Examples: diplomatic in a Sentence

Definition of diplomatic

1 a : paleographic

b : exactly reproducing the original

a diplomatic edition

2 : of, relating to, or concerned with the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations : of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats

diplomatic relations

3 : employing tact and conciliation especially in situations of stress

a diplomatic way to say no

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diplomatically

play \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See diplomatic defined for English-language learners

See diplomatic defined for kids

Examples of diplomatic in a Sentence

Negotiators are working to restore full diplomatic relations.
a diplomatic attempt at preventing any hurt feelings

Recent Examples of diplomatic from the Web

Other options include selling U.S. government debt or disrupting diplomatic efforts over North Korea, though those might hurt Beijing’s interests.

— San Antonio Express-News, "China’s options to hit US go beyond imports," 9 July 2018
Pompeo is making his third trip to Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, even as others — including his rivals in the administration — have been more skeptical of the diplomatic efforts.

— gardiner harris, BostonGlobe.com, "Pompeo arrives in North Korea to try to curb its nuclear program," 6 July 2018
European countries should spend more on defense and security and develop the diplomatic heft to match their economic weight, many Europe analysts say.

— howard lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, "How strong a Europe does US want? In Trump era, that's still the issue.," 13 July 2018
The event also included Israeli dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps.

— sergio carmona, Jewish Journal, "Local Israel Bonds investors attend reception featuring Warren Buffett," 13 July 2018
Many commentators said, in attacking his hosts, the interview had ignored all the usual diplomatic etiquette and conventions.

— alex ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, "Thousands Turn Out to Protest Donald Trump in London," 13 July 2018
The interview was the latest breach of diplomatic protocol by Trump, whose predecessors tended to avoid criticizing their foreign hosts.

— jonathan lemire and jill colvin, chicagotribune.com, "Explosive Trump tabloid interview adds to chaos on 1st British visit," 13 July 2018
The native Swede had just finished a 5-month internship with her country’s diplomatic office near the UN headquarters in Manhattan, darting between debates on migration and ocean plastic.

— mejs hasan, WIRED, "The Ultimate Carbon-Saving Tip? Travel by Cargo Ship," 12 July 2018
More broadly, Chinese commentators have suggested Beijing also could disrupt diplomatic work over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs or other initiatives.

— joe mcdonald, The Seattle Times, "How China could hurt US once it ran out of imports to tax," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diplomatic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of diplomatic

in sense 1, from New Latin diplomaticus, from Latin diplomat-, diploma; in other senses, from French diplomatique connected with documents regulating international relations, from New Latin diplomaticus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1711

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

diplomatic Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of diplomatic

suave, urbane, diplomatic, bland, smooth, politic mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered. suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

- a suave public relations coordinator

urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

- an urbane traveler

diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

- a diplomatic negotiator

bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

- a bland master of ceremonies

smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

- a smooth salesman

politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

- a cunningly politic manager

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

DIPLOMATIC Defined for English Language Learners

diplomatic

adjective

Definition of diplomatic for English Language Learners

: involving the work of maintaining good relations between the governments of different countries : of or relating to diplomats or their work
: not causing bad feelings : having or showing an ability to deal with people politely