diplomacy

noun

di·​plo·​ma·​cy də-ˈplō-mə-sē How to pronounce diplomacy (audio)
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

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
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.
Related article How to decode a head-spinning few days of Ukraine war diplomacy Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to force a regime change in Kyiv, planning to install a pro-Moscow government. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025 During my tenure with RFE/RL, the State Department frequently complained that our broadcasts complicated their diplomacy with Communist governments. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Rylance as Thomas Cromwell and Kate Phillips as Jane Seymour Photo: Nick Briggs The episodes are busy with rebellion, diplomacy, intrigue, but the action rarely leaves the darkened rooms of the Tudor court and the camera rarely leaves Cromwell. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025 Pope Francis Reflects on Illness, Calls War 'Absurd' as Recovery Progresses Pope Francis said in a letter published Tuesday that his lengthy illness has given him greater clarity on the absurdity of war, renewing his call for diplomacy and stronger international institutions. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diplomacy

Word History

Etymology

see diplomatic

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diplomacy was in 1766

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diplomacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diplomacy. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

diplomacy

noun
di·​plo·​ma·​cy də-ˈplō-mə-sē How to pronounce diplomacy (audio)
1
: the work of keeping up relations between the governments of different countries
2
: skill in dealing with others without causing bad feelings : tact

More from Merriam-Webster on diplomacy

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