détente

noun

dé·​tente dā-ˈtänt How to pronounce détente (audio)
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
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.
Some Republicans still hope for a detente between the two men, although that seemed unlikely on Friday as Trump brushed off the idea of an impending makeup call. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025 In the weeks since the fragile detente, Washington has accused Beijing of slow-walking approvals for rare earth exports and reneging on its promise made in Geneva, with Trump expressing increasing urgency to speak to his Chinese counterpart to iron things out. Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 Mixed Trump Trump unquestionably gains from the tariff detente with China and from the stock market recovery. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 May 2025 Goldman Sachs said Wednesday after Trump’s partial detente that recession chances in the United States were still a coin flip. David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025 War had returned and the detente that had existed since the fall of the Iron Curtain was over. Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025 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

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of détente was in 1908

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Détente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9tente. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on détente

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!