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.
Hamas has cast the cease-fire as a victory and also shows no sign of seeking a lasting detente with Israel. Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025 The two were able to reach a warm detente at the close of Tuesday’s episode, but that does not mark an end to the drama on tap for the marrieds. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 15 Jan. 2025 The new mayor chose to keep Martinez as his CEO, and the district, which had faced years of conflict between the powerful union and CPS leadership, saw a brief detente among its leaders. Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025 For the rest of the season, there were many discussions but little more than detente. Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025 In recent months, Turkish officials sought a detente with Assad, who refused to engage in discussions until Turkey withdrew from Syrian territory. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024 Israeli leaders are watching events across the border in Syria with a mix of trepidation and glee, as 50 years of detente were upended in a matter of hours. Mick Krever, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024 This detente also enabled broader Sino-Indian engagement, particularly in the economic and multilateral arenas. Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 4 Oct. 2022 So, what could be the window for some detente between these two states whose armies revel in bellicosity that keeps them relevant to raw domestic populism? Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

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

Dictionary Entries Near détente

Cite this Entry

“Détente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9tente. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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