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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of diplomatic For Ethiopia the unveiling of the 74-billion cubic meter dam, which has been 14 years in the making and cost $5 billion, was the culmination of a dream and proved the East African nation the winner in a bitter diplomatic battle over its construction. Kate Bartlett, NPR, 9 Sep. 2025 In contrast, Canada exhibits a much more balanced diplomatic exchange. Collin J. Meisel, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025 Despite diplomatic efforts over the summer, Russia's more than three-year-long war in Ukraine is not showing any signs of coming to an end. Silvia Amaro, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025 Witkoff, who started his career as a successful real estate attorney and developer, has been at the helm of the Trump administration’s diplomatic talks with Russia throughout the year. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diplomatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diplomatic
Adjective
  • The interactions of the child protagonists have metaphoric and politic overtones.
    Alex Dueben July 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
  • Stirring up some of the local Chicago politic mix, with the cops and more, Smollett then was put under the spotlight of a special prosecutor and hauled before the courts for allegedly playing fast and loose with the truth and his own agenda.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • These polite pleasantries waste precious attention.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Maikol Gabriel López Lizano was two years older than Acosta Peña, warm and polite.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Diplomatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diplomatic. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on diplomatic

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