as in diplomacy
the ability to deal with others in touchy situations without offending them
the tactfulness with which the secretary of state handled the diplomatic crisis was commendable
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactfulness
Noun
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The president’s very personal approach to diplomacy poses real threats to American security.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026 -
More effective diplomacy, as demonstrated by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron at the same forum, conveys the same message about resisting bullying through measured language that preserves dignity and institutional respect.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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American elites aped European fashions, art, and manners, and Europeans admired American energy and efficiency.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
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Judith Martin's Miss Manners column has chronicled the continuous rise and fall of American manners since 1978.—
Judith Martin,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Edwards-Jones’ journalism background shows up — it’s well researched and presented with tact.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Jan. 2026
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Spoelstra’s tact after benching Ware for the second half of Thursday night’s 119-114 loss to the Boston Celtics nonetheless had Wade and Haslem questioning their former coach’s approach.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Because of the sensitivity of materials like wood and metal to temperature changes, the cold, dry air can lead to cracks and warping on your instrument.—
Elissa Robinson,
Detroit Free Press,
23 Jan. 2026
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People often mislabel this as burnout, stress or personal sensitivity.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
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Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britain’s highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughter’s life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Tactfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactfulness. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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