Synonyms of diplomatic

diplomatic

adjective

ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik 

as in politic

having or showing tact

a diplomatic attempt at preventing any hurt feelings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• undiplomatic
• tactless
• impolitic
• gauche
• thoughtless
• discourteous
• indelicate
• ungracious
• inconsiderate
• untactful
• impolite
• uncivil
• uncalled-for
• unmannerly
• uncouth
• boorish
• clownish
• brassy
• brash
• churlish
• insolent
• rude
• impudent
• disrespectful
• loutish
• impertinent
• unmannered
• unhandsome
• ill-mannered
• caddish
• ill-bred
• clodhopping
• disregardful

Synonym Chooser

How is the word diplomatic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of diplomatic are bland, politic, smooth, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

Where would bland be a reasonable alternative to diplomatic?

The words bland and diplomatic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When is politic a more appropriate choice than diplomatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to diplomatic, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When would smooth be a good substitute for diplomatic?

While the synonyms smooth and diplomatic are close in meaning, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When might suave be a better fit than diplomatic?

The words suave and diplomatic can be used in similar contexts, but suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

In what contexts can urbane take the place of diplomatic?

Although the words urbane and diplomatic have much in common, urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of diplomatic

In 2023, the Biden administration nominated her as ambassador to Colombia, one of the top diplomatic posts in Latin America. —T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025

The diplomatic declarations do nothing to help Palestinians in Gaza or those menaced by Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. —Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025

Over Washington and Havana’s largely fruitless attempts at diplomacy during the Cold War, both parties considered the base as a bargaining chip of sorts, a leverage to pull in the interest of military de-escalation or possible normalization of diplomatic relations. —Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025

According to Reuters, the Taliban ordered internet and mobile data services to be cut across the country, with diplomatic and industry sources confirming cellphone connectivity had collapsed. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025