diplomatic

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

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

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

In 2013, the Obama administration seemed to pull off a diplomatic slam dunk with Syria.

— the observer editorial board, charlotteobserver, "Don't leave Syria in the hands of Trump alone | Charlotte Observer," 11 Apr. 2018
In 2017, in yet another conference call to preview a gig at The Q, Torres was pretty diplomatic about what really was a snub, since Bon Jovi had been eligible for the Rock Hall since 2008.

— chuck yarborough, cleveland.com, "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2018: Bon Jovi knows fans put them in the Hall: Inductee profile," 8 Apr. 2018
London blamed the Kremlin for the attack—using a Soviet-era chemical nerve agent—on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia and cut Russia’s diplomatic presence in the U.K. Russia denies any involvement in the incident.

— thomas grove, WSJ, "Trump Used Call With Putin to Float Idea of White House Visit," 2 Apr. 2018
In addition to the expulsions, the US is closing Moscow’s consulate in Seattle, Russia’s last diplomatic presence on the West Coast.

— fred weir, The Christian Science Monitor, "Why this round of expulsions may bring US, Russia to breaking point," 27 Mar. 2018
The Canadian pop star was apparently not on his best behavior during his appearance on the show, though Hader tried his best to be diplomatic.

— emma stefansky, HWD, "Guess Who Was the Worst S.N.L. Guest, According to Bill Hader," 24 Mar. 2018
The closure of the consulate in St Petersburg will end the UK's diplomatic presence in Russia's second city.

— lisa zapalac | homes correspondent, Houston Chronicle, "Prime Property: Classic home in River Oaks boasts half-acre lot," 24 Mar. 2018
The diplomatic effort to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula continued apace.

— The Economist, "Politics this week," 22 Mar. 2018
Tillerson had long expressed interest in a diplomatic solution to the nuclear standoff with North Korea, and was upset to have been left totally out of the loop when Trump decided to move forward, according to a White House official.

— philip rucker, Philly.com, "President Trump ousts Rex Tillerson, will replace him as secretary of state with CIA chief Mike Pompeo," 13 Mar. 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

: 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