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Synonyms

diplomacy

American  
[dih-ploh-muh-see] / dɪˈploʊ mə si /

noun

  1. the conduct by government officials of negotiations and other relations between nations.

  2. the art or science of conducting such negotiations.

  3. 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.


diplomacy British  
/ dɪˈpləʊməsɪ /

noun

  1. the conduct of the relations of one state with another by peaceful means

  2. skill in the management of international relations

  3. tact, skill, or cunning in dealing with people

"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

Other Word Forms

  • nondiplomacy noun
  • prediplomacy noun
  • superdiplomacy noun

Etymology

Origin of diplomacy

First recorded in 1790–1800; from French diplomatie, from diplomat(e) diplomat + -ie -y 3

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The joint statement agreed that dialogue and diplomacy were "the only viable option to resolve conflicts", and it called for waterways, including the blockaded strait, to be protected.

From BBC

Now her son is being asked to do his own bit of royal diplomacy in the shadow of another international conflict.

From BBC

The prospects for negotiations reopening the strait and ending the war are dismal, and there is no guarantee that force can accomplish what diplomacy cannot.

From The Wall Street Journal

When challenged about its apparent contradictory position to diplomacy when applied to its own conflicts, Pakistan has said that it tried years of talks that did not yield the security it needed.

From BBC

The troop buildup could give the U.S. added leverage while preparing for more decisive action if diplomacy stalls, current and former officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal