diplomacy

[ dih-ploh-muh-see ]

See synonyms for diplomacy on Thesaurus.com

noun

the conduct by government officials of negotiations and other relations between nations.
the art or science of conducting such negotiations.

skill in managing negotiations, handling people, etc., so that there is little or no ill will; tact: Seating one's dinner guests often calls for considerable diplomacy.

Origin of diplomacy

First recorded in 1790–1800; from French diplomatie, from diplomat(e) diplomat + -ie -y³

Other words from diplomacy

non·di·plo·ma·cy, noun
pre·di·plo·ma·cy, noun
su·per·di·plo·ma·cy, noun

Words Nearby diplomacy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use diplomacy in a sentence

Those who served abroad were treated with suspicion that they had been infected by European diplomacy.
U.S. Embassies Have Always Been for Sale | William O’Connor | January 2, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
Indeed, it's unclear what, if any, benefits the average Cuban will reap from increased diplomacy between the two countries.
Castro's Hipster Apologists Want to Keep Cuba ‘Authentically’ Poor | Michael Moynihan | December 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The British Museum claims that “cultural diplomacy” can somehow discourage human rights violators.
Britain Has Lost Its Marbles: Elgin Loan Will Appease Putin | Geoffrey Robertson | December 5, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
I called it “ding-dong diplomacy”; Governor Richardson wisely pointed out that “basketball diplomacy” is better than none.
Pyongyang Primer: Kenneth Bae Comes Home | Kevin Bleyer | November 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
To date, much of the details of the diplomacy and even the interim deal between Iran and the West are shrouded in secrecy.
Republican Hawks Already Have a War Plan for ISIS, Ukraine, and Obama | Eli Lake | November 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

This Committee shall be divided into three sections, viz.:—Of diplomacy; of the navy; and of the army.
The Philippine Islands | John Foreman
But, though a capital sabreur, he was evidently not made to solve questions in diplomacy.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV. | Various
Without any training in or natural bent for diplomacy, Aguinaldo had not the faintest idea of what foreign “protection” signified.
The Philippine Islands | John Foreman
As for me, I thought that "All right—come on," a magnificent example of Scotch diplomacy and humour.
Friend Mac Donald | Max O'Rell
In the conduct of his foreign relations, the Bruce proved himself an adept in diplomacy.
King Robert the Bruce | A. F. Murison

British Dictionary definitions for diplomacy

diplomacy

/ (dɪˈpləʊməsɪ) /

nounplural -cies

the conduct of the relations of one state with another by peaceful means
skill in the management of international relations

tact, skill, or cunning in dealing with people

Origin of diplomacy

C18: from French diplomatie, from diplomatique diplomatic

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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