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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of diplomatic After the atrocities committed during the World War II, fascism remains taboo in Western societies, so anything linking Musk to the ideology could severely tarnish his reputation, as well as risking a diplomatic spat with America's European allies. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 As President Biden’s 2022 trip to Saudi Arabia failed to persuade Riyadh to increase oil production after Russia invaded Ukraine, Beijing managed a diplomatic breakthrough, brokering diplomatic normalization between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Marco Rubio sworn in as secretary of state, pledges decisions to make America 'safer' and 'more prosperous' The Trump administration's immigration crackdown is expected to be a major part of Rubio's agenda during the diplomatic mission. Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025 Advertisement Flags at government buildings and Turkish diplomatic missions abroad were lowered to half-staff as the nation, shocked by the disaster, observed a day of mourning for the victims. Mehmet Guzel, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for diplomatic 

Thesaurus Entries Near diplomatic

Cite this Entry

“Diplomatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diplomatic. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on diplomatic

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