Synonyms of diplomatic

diplomatic

adjective

ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik 

as in politic

having or showing tact

a diplomatic attempt at preventing any hurt feelings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• politic
• polite
• tactful
• respectful
• thoughtful
• civil
• gracious
• graceful
• courteous
• charming
• considerate
• kind
• gallant
• deferential
• genteel
• cordial
• delicate
• friendly
• dutiful
• hospitable
• suave
• mannerly
• affable
• genial
• regardful
• kindhearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• undiplomatic
• tactless
• impolitic
• gauche
• thoughtless
• discourteous
• indelicate
• ungracious
• inconsiderate
• untactful
• impolite
• uncivil
• uncalled-for
• unmannerly
• uncouth
• boorish
• clownish
• brassy
• brash
• churlish
• insolent
• rude
• impudent
• disrespectful
• loutish
• impertinent
• unmannered
• unhandsome
• ill-mannered
• caddish
• ill-bred
• clodhopping
• disregardful

Synonym Chooser

How is the word diplomatic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of diplomatic are bland, politic, smooth, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

Where would bland be a reasonable alternative to diplomatic?

The words bland and diplomatic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When is politic a more appropriate choice than diplomatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to diplomatic, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When would smooth be a good substitute for diplomatic?

While the synonyms smooth and diplomatic are close in meaning, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When might suave be a better fit than diplomatic?

The words suave and diplomatic can be used in similar contexts, but suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

In what contexts can urbane take the place of diplomatic?

Although the words urbane and diplomatic have much in common, urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of diplomatic

The Palace manager was asked about Chalobah’s absence in his post-match media conference at Selhurst Park and offered an admirably diplomatic response. —Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025

Foreign aid, economic collaboration, and diplomatic relationships must be contingent on full cooperation in extraditing and prosecuting cyberterrorists. —Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

That diplomatic move didn’t create many headlines, but Europeans took notice. —John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025

Bass is also under fire for being out of the country when the blazes began, having left on a diplomatic trip to attend the inauguration of Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025