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.
Both strategic partners converge on the necessity of deploying diplomacy to promote peace, security, and stability. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 During his first term, Trump’s unconventional diplomacy with another recalcitrant nuclear power, North Korea, ultimately went nowhere, and overall his administration achieved few notable breakthroughs in dealing with adversarial powers. Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024 From the Soviet Union’s earliest years, Moscow viewed warfare and political action, including diplomacy, as unitary. Niall Ferguson, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024 However, escalating the war in Syria could undermine Iran’s efforts to pursue diplomacy with the West and Arab states. Mostafa Salem, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near diplomacy

Cite this Entry

“Diplomacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diplomacy. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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