diplomatic

American  

[dip-luh-mat-ik] / ˌdɪp ləˈmæt ɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or engaged in diplomacy.

   diplomatic officials.

2. skilled in dealing with sensitive matters or people; tactful.

   a counselor who is at all times diplomatic with at-risk students and their parents.

   Antonyms:

   tactless, blunt

3. of or relating to diplomatics.

   Much of her diplomatic research involves the private correspondence of President Van Buren.

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diplomatic British  

/ ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to diplomacy or diplomats

2. skilled in negotiating, esp between states or people

3. tactful in dealing with people

4. of or relating to diplomatics

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Related Words

Diplomatic, politic, tactful imply ability to avoid offending others or hurting their feelings, especially in situations where this ability is important. Diplomatic suggests a smoothness and skill in handling others, usually in such a way as to attain one's own ends and yet avoid any unpleasantness or opposition: By diplomatic conduct he avoided antagonizing anyone. Politic emphasizes expediency or prudence in looking out for one's own interests, thus knowing how to treat people of different types and on different occasions: a truth which it is not politic to insist on. Tactful suggests a nice touch in the handling of delicate matters or situations, and, unlike the other two, often suggests a sincere desire not to hurt the feelings of others: a tactful way of correcting someone.

Other Word Forms

• diplomatically adverb
• nondiplomatic adjective
• prediplomatic adjective
• quasi-diplomatic adjective
• undiplomatic adjective

Etymology

Origin of diplomatic

First recorded in 1705–15; from French diplomatique, from New Latin diplōmaticus, equivalent to Latin diplōmat- (stem of diplōma ) diploma + -icus -ic

Explanation

If you have the ability to say the right thing when two friends are fighting, making both sides happy, you are diplomatic. You have tact. You are a peacemaker. You can be diplomatic in your personal life if you’re polite, easy to get along with, and able to deliver bad news in a kind way. You can also be professionally diplomatic — diplomats are important members of the U.S. State Department. Diplomats keep the peace and maintain good relationships with other countries, even as they try to get other countries to see and do things our way. That's why keeping the peace in smaller ways is also called diplomatic.

Example Sentences

“The Islamabad Talks laid the foundation for a diplomatic process that, if trust and will are strengthened, can create a sustainable framework for the interests of all parties.” he wrote on social media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

A foreign ministry spokesman from Iran responded that no further talks were planned, but diplomatic efforts would continue, according to reports.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

For now, it remains unclear how Iran will respond to the U.S. announcement, or whether further diplomatic efforts will resume.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

Pakistan has formulated a team of subject matter specialists to facilitate the two sides in negotiations on navigation, nuclear and other key matters, a diplomatic source familiar with the matter told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Robinson’s diplomatic letter contained one fragment of steel.

From "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose

Related Words

• conciliatory
• gracious
• polite
• strategic