diplomacy

noun

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

Synonyms of diplomacy

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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.
Bessent described the announcement as a warning shot that would be followed by quiet diplomacy, as Sullivan & Cromwell's memo records. — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Qatar, one of the world’s leading producers of LNG, is trying to find some way to keep its export routes open, through diplomacy, finding new customers, and taking rare opportunities to get their product through Hormuz. — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 This is also why diplomacy remains the least costly way out for both sides. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026 Yes, now there was a brilliant idea — sending John Lennon on a diplomacy mission. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing diplomacy

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Cite this Entry

“Diplomacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diplomacy. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diplomacy

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