diplomatic

adjective

dip·​lo·​mat·​ic ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik 

1

a

: paleographic

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

ˌdi-plə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• politic
• tactful

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

Grenell brings significant diplomatic experience from Trump's first administration, having served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany, special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, and acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI). —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024

While any such effort will naturally involve U.S. military capabilities, planning must also incorporate interagency efforts as well including diplomatic engagement, political influence and economic diplomacy, among a host of other actions. —Daniel R. Green, Baltimore Sun, 15 Dec. 2024

The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic talks. —Albert Aji and Matthew Lee The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024

Though lasting only six hours, Yoon's Dec. 3 martial law declaration – the first of its kind in more than four decades in South Korea – has thrown the East Asian nation into political turmoil, halting diplomatic activities and rattling financial markets. —Bradford Betz, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing diplomatic

• diplomatic corps
• diplomatic cover
• diplomatic immunity

Kids Definition

diplomatic

adjective

dip·​lo·​mat·​ic ˌdip-lə-ˈmat-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats

diplomatic relations

2

: tactful

found a diplomatic way to say no

diplomatically

-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb