diplomatic

adjective

dip·lo·mat·ic | \ ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik

Definition of diplomatic

1a : 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

Other Words from diplomatic Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about diplomatic

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Synonyms & Antonyms for diplomatic

Synonyms

politic, tactful

Antonyms

gauche, impolitic, tactless, undiplomatic, untactful

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of diplomatic in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Since January, Kim has shifted gears to a more diplomatic approach, and says his country is now focused on building its economy. — Eric Talmadge, Fox News, "As talks with US stall, North Korea preps military parade," 6 Sep. 2018 But this diplomatic approach has long existed in practice. — Paul Arthur Berkman, Scientific American, "Could Science Diplomacy Be the Key to Stabilizing International Relations?," 12 June 2018 Time and again, Trump has also upended the more cautious diplomatic approaches of his predecessors in showing warmth toward authoritarian figures. — The Washington Post, NOLA.com, "Has North Korea already trumped the U.S. in the propaganda war?," 2 June 2018 The baby's future grandfather presumably plans to be on hand for the birth, and given the diplomatic importance of this trip, Prince Charles is probably not taking any chances with a scheduling conflict. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "When Is Meghan Markle's Due Date? Here's When the Royal Baby Will Likely Be Born," 18 Apr. 2019 If the past several years are any indication, don’t expect a diplomatic solution anytime soon. — David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, "What You Need to Know About the South China Sea, the World's Next Hot Spot," 27 Feb. 2019 China is North Korea’s main economic partner and has long been its key diplomatic ally, but Beijing signed onto the stringent sanctions imposed by the United Nations last year. — Thomas Maresca, USA TODAY, "China suggests sanctions relief for North Korea after Trump-Kim summit," 12 June 2018 In recent weeks, Taiwan has lost the Dominican Republic and the West African state of Burkina Faso to China, which two years ago began to aggressively go after Taiwan’s diplomatic allies. — Jacqueline Charles, miamiherald, "As Taiwan and China rivalry continues, Haiti president wraps up visit to Taipei," 31 May 2018 Related Gary Samore, who was a senior National Security Council aide under President Obama, said the phrasing implies that the diplomatic process wouldn’t immediately collapse if North Korea doesn’t obtain sanctions relief. — Andrew Jeong, WSJ, "Kim Jong Un Extends Peace Overture to U.S.," 1 Jan. 2019

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.