diplomatic

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

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

Gou, known as a savvy and diplomatic but hard-knuckled negotiator, effectively is in a no-lose situation in Wisconsin.

— john schmid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin Foxconn complex would face daunting comparison to twin base rising in China," 25 Aug. 2017
But all four were longstanding, senior-level members of Russia's diplomatic corps serving abroad in crucial roles.

— jack holmes, Esquire, "A Fourth Russian Ambassador in 9 Months Is Now Dead," 24 Aug. 2017
Trump thanked Vladimir Putin for drastically cutting U.S. diplomatic positions in Russia.

— emma sarran webster, Teen Vogue, "Donald Trump and Russia: The Timeline," 14 Aug. 2017
To date, the Trump administration has heavily concentrated its diplomatic energy on cranking up international pressure on North Korea's government, in particular pressing China to lean on its wayward ally.

— matthew pennington, chicagotribune.com, "Beyond bluster, U.S. and North Korea maintain regular contact," 11 Aug. 2017
Barcelona players and coaches have been diplomatic, saying the right things (and repeating them on all of their stops around the United States).

— avi creditor, SI.com, "Neymar to PSG FAQ: What You're Wondering About the Barcelona Star's Transfer Saga," 31 July 2017
Henwick is far more diplomatic when describing to Entertainment Weekly how her character, Nymeria, started at a disadvantage.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Game of Thrones Star Explains Why the Sand Snakes Never Worked in the First Place," 24 July 2017
During a long diplomatic career, Kislyak has led the life of a fairly typical global envoy, making himself a reliable presence on the circuit of receptions, teas and forums that make up the calendar of any ambassador.

— kelly poe, AL.com, "Woman in Huntsville backed over by a truck at yard sale," 23 July 2017
The United States, South Korea and others often accuse North Korea of using foreign detainees to wrest diplomatic concessions.

— matthew lee, Cincinnati.com, "AP sources: US to ban North Korea travel after Otto Warmbier's death," 21 July 2017

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

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diplomatic Synonyms

Synonyms

tactful, politic

Antonyms

gauche, impolitic, tactless, undiplomatic, untactful

Related Words

considerate, courteous, delicate, graceful, gracious, thoughtful; civil, mannerly, polite; charming, gallant, genteel, suave; deferential, dutiful, regardful, respectful; affable, cordial, friendly, genial, hospitable, kind, kindhearted

Near Antonyms

discourteous, inconsiderate, indelicate, thoughtless, ungracious; ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, uncalled-for, uncivil, unhandsome, unmannered, unmannerly; boorish, brash, brassy, caddish, churlish, clodhopping, clownish, loutish, uncouth; disregardful, disrespectful, impertinent, impudent, insolent, rude

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

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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

DIPLOMATIC Defined for Kids

diplomatic

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

Definition of diplomatic for Students

1 :of or relating to keeping good relations between the governments of different countries

2 :not causing bad feelings

a diplomatic answer

a diplomatic manager

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diplomatically

\-ti-kə-lē\ adverb

He resolved the situation diplomatically.

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