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 For the moment, detente might be the best both sides can do. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2024 Saudi Arabia did not join the detente but clearly endorsed it, allowing the UAE and Bahrain to act. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 June 2024 The agreement followed a detente in March in which both sides agreed to stop litigating each other in state court and work towards negotiating a new development agreement and a new comprehensive plan no later than next year. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 13 June 2024 That spirit of detente seemed to only last through the night, though. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 12 June 2024 Trump and Mace’s detente would have been nearly unthinkable two years ago. Tommy Barone, ABC News, 11 June 2024 Although the United States shares the goal of regional de-escalation, the detente in the Persian Gulf complicates Washington’s traditional model for nuclear diplomacy. Eric Brewer, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2023 Over the last several years, Crown Prince Mohammed has reached a detente with Iran, pursued a peace deal with Yemen's Houthi rebels, and also offered himself as a leader in other crises worldwide. Jon Gambrell, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2024 But whatever detente Rowden hoped to achieve quickly collapsed. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'détente.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 30 Jun. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on détente

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!