diplomatic

adjective

dip·​lo·​mat·​ic ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce diplomatic (audio)
1
b
: exactly reproducing the original
a diplomatic edition
2
: of, relating to, or concerned with the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations : of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats
diplomatic relations
3
: employing tact and conciliation especially in situations of stress
a diplomatic way to say no
diplomatically adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for diplomatic

suave, urbane, diplomatic, bland, smooth, politic mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered.

suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

Examples of diplomatic in a Sentence

Negotiators are working to restore full diplomatic relations. a diplomatic attempt at preventing any hurt feelings
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic wing of the Iranian government has taken a softer approach — downplaying the harm caused by Israel’s latest attack but pushing for an international response to the violation of their sovereignty. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Oct. 2024 The possibility has alarmed leaders and deepened diplomatic tensions. Brooke Seipel, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2024 Outside of the diplomatic sphere, what do people who watch the show say to you about it? Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2024 Instead, Tehran will shift focus to Gaza as a rallying point and use its diplomatic arm to attempt to deepen Israel’s isolation, Vakil said. Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diplomatic 

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from New Latin diplomaticus, from Latin diplomat-, diploma; in other senses, from French diplomatique connected with documents regulating international relations, from New Latin diplomaticus

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of diplomatic was in 1711

Dictionary Entries Near diplomatic

Cite this Entry

“Diplomatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diplomatic. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

diplomatic

adjective
dip·​lo·​mat·​ic ˌdip-lə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce diplomatic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats
diplomatic relations
2
: tactful
found a diplomatic way to say no
diplomatically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on diplomatic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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