as in diplomacy
the ability to deal with others in touchy situations without offending them
the tactfulness with which the secretary of state handled the diplomatic crisis was commendable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactfulness
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
After seeing how reluctant to move the horse was, their older sibling decided to jump in and help delay their owner's departure—albeit, with much gentler manners.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
-
For more on how to lose your clothes but not your manners, have a look at our perennial guide to nude beach etiquette.—
CNN,
The Mercury News,
30 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
In parallel, senior scientists — many of whom were hired for their science chops, not their empathetic leadership — should be taught compassionate mentorship, and how to respond to challenging situations with empathy and tact.—
Celia Ford,
Vox,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Other highlights include an open-faced montre à tact (a watch that replicates the internal hour hand on the cover of the pocket watch via an arrow so that time could be read via touch) with a calendar and moonphase indications that was the inspiration for the Ref. 3330.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This sensitivity to swings in rates is known as duration.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Additionally, most drinks are stirred— a subtle yet intentional decision that maintains the ambiance and cultural sensitivity.—
Chelsea Davis,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Queen Victoria created the unit in 1900 after an adviser suggested that the Irish regiments should wear shamrocks on their headdress every St. Patrick's Day as a nod to the crown's appreciation for their gallantry during the Boer War, the British Army said.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
19 Mar. 2025
-
He was deployed to Italy, where his conspicuous gallantry in combat earned him the Military Cross.—
Lawrence D. Freedman,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Jan. 2020
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.
Cite this Entry
“Tactfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactfulness. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share