diplomacy

noun

di·​plo·​ma·​cy də-ˈplō-mə-sē 

1

: the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations

2

: skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility : tact

handled the awkward situation with diplomacy

Synonyms of diplomacy

• manners
• tact
• sensitivity
• gallantry
• tactfulness
• consideration

Examples of diplomacy in a Sentence

She has had a long and distinguished career in diplomacy.

The government avoided a war by successfully resolving the issues through diplomacy.

This is a situation that calls for tactful diplomacy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rubio’s newfound prioritization of commercial diplomacy, reflected in the announcement last week of the sale of $5 billion in Boeing aircraft to Ethiopia’s national airline, speaks to Washington’s focus on economic returns over peacemaking. — Cameron Hudson, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Lula proposes preserving Brazil’s autonomy by simultaneously strengthening ties with all major powers and engaging in multilateral diplomacy as much as possible. — Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026

Her address was accompanied by a policy change from the Obama administration that prioritized LGBTQ rights in diplomacy and foreign aid. — Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Trump in August scaled back a major military exercise with South Korea in an apparent effort to restart diplomacy with Kim, who has condemned such drills as rehearsals for invasion. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see diplomatic

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing diplomacy

• dollar diplomacy
• gunboat diplomacy
• shuttle diplomacy

Kids Definition

diplomacy

noun

di·​plo·​ma·​cy də-ˈplō-mə-sē 

1

: the work of keeping up relations between the governments of different countries

2

: skill in dealing with others without causing bad feelings : tact