détente

noun

dé·​tente dā-ˈtänt How to pronounce détente (audio)
variants or detente
1
: the relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations)
diplomats brokering a détente
also : a policy promoting this
2
: a period of détente
the beginning of a détente

Examples of détente in a Sentence

as the countries move toward détente the start of a détente
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.
The new mayor chose to keep Martinez as his CEO, and the district, which had faced years of conflict between the powerful union and CPS leadership, saw a brief detente among its leaders. Ikram Mohamed, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025 For the rest of the season, there were many discussions but little more than detente. Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025 In recent months, Turkish officials sought a detente with Assad, who refused to engage in discussions until Turkey withdrew from Syrian territory. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024 Israeli leaders are watching events across the border in Syria with a mix of trepidation and glee, as 50 years of detente were upended in a matter of hours. Mick Krever, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024 This detente also enabled broader Sino-Indian engagement, particularly in the economic and multilateral arenas. Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 4 Oct. 2022 So, what could be the window for some detente between these two states whose armies revel in bellicosity that keeps them relevant to raw domestic populism? Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 Despite the end-times detente between long-battling brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis that recently led to their announcement of a 2025 UK tour, some things in the music feud world never change. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2024 Despite the relative detente, the two countries have in recent years continued to butt heads over a range of issues from trade and technology to human rights. Kristine Gill, Fortune Asia, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of détente was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near détente

Cite this Entry

“Détente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9tente. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

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