variants
or detente
1
: the relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations)
diplomats brokering a détente
also
: a policy promoting this
2
: a period of détente
the beginning of a détente
Examples of détente in a Sentence
as the countries move toward détente
the start of a détente
Recent Examples on the Web
This combination of policies was a profound break from the Nixon/Gerald Ford years, when tax cuts were not seriously considered, the priority with the Soviets was detente and arms control, and safety net programs were largely protected.
—
Dylan Matthews, Vox, 22 May 2025
Stamp reveals rare moment between Bush and Trump families
The stamp unveiling appeared to be at least a momentary detente between the families that have helmed the Republican party.
—James Powel, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Then, on Tuesday, Rivas and Schultz announced a detente with Krell.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Penn was a tireless critic of President George W. Bush, visiting Baghdad in 2002 ahead of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq the following year to urge a detente between the two nations.
—EW.com, 7 May 2025
That means a surge of orders sparked by a detente between the superpowers will likely overwhelm the network, causing delays and boosting costs.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
Europe generally speaking is on Ukraine’s side, wants a settlement to the war to be as close to Kyiv’s preferences as possible and isn’t wiling to explore a detente with Moscow until the war is over.
—Daniel Depetris, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025
Higher-level American and Russian diplomats meet in Saudi Arabia to float ceasefire ideas and a wider detente, while lower-level diplomatic meetings began in the new venue of Turkey last week to address the technical details of embassies reopening.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
Your sons are adults and will have to reach a detente on their own.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
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.
Dylan Matthews, Vox, 22 May 2025
Stamp reveals rare moment between Bush and Trump families
The stamp unveiling appeared to be at least a momentary detente between the families that have helmed the Republican party.
—James Powel, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Then, on Tuesday, Rivas and Schultz announced a detente with Krell.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Penn was a tireless critic of President George W. Bush, visiting Baghdad in 2002 ahead of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq the following year to urge a detente between the two nations.
—EW.com, 7 May 2025
That means a surge of orders sparked by a detente between the superpowers will likely overwhelm the network, causing delays and boosting costs.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
Europe generally speaking is on Ukraine’s side, wants a settlement to the war to be as close to Kyiv’s preferences as possible and isn’t wiling to explore a detente with Moscow until the war is over.
—Daniel Depetris, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025
Higher-level American and Russian diplomats meet in Saudi Arabia to float ceasefire ideas and a wider detente, while lower-level diplomatic meetings began in the new venue of Turkey last week to address the technical details of embassies reopening.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
Your sons are adults and will have to reach a detente on their own.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Détente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9tente. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share