diplomacy

noun

di·​plo·​ma·​cy də-ˈplō-mə-sē How to pronounce diplomacy (audio)
Synonyms of diplomacy
1
: the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations
2
: skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility : tact
handled the awkward situation with diplomacy

Synonyms of diplomacy

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Examples of diplomacy in a Sentence

She has had a long and distinguished career in diplomacy. The government avoided a war by successfully resolving the issues through diplomacy. This is a situation that calls for tactful diplomacy.
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.
Today’s moon moves through the harmony-seeking sign of Libra, putting diplomacy, justice and emotional reciprocity at the forefront. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026 Gulf leaders worry the president is unable to manage the diplomacy necessary to secure peace with Iran, according to Arab and Western officials. — Susannah George, Washington Post, 15 Aug. 2026 Warships and their crews can only handle so much, said Robert Farley, who teaches national security and diplomacy at the University of Kentucky and often writes about aircraft carriers. — Ben Finley, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026 Part of that effort must include the meaningful inclusion of Afghan women in international diplomacy. — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diplomacy

Word History

Etymology

see diplomatic

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diplomacy was in 1766

Phrases Containing diplomacy

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diplomacy
diploma mill
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Cite this Entry

“Diplomacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diplomacy. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

diplomacy

noun
di·​plo·​ma·​cy də-ˈplō-mə-sē How to pronounce diplomacy (audio)
1
: the work of keeping up relations between the governments of different countries
2
: skill in dealing with others without causing bad feelings : tact

More from Merriam-Webster on diplomacy

Nglish: Translation of diplomacy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diplomacy

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