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Synonyms

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.


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

"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

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

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.

Venezuela's government in a statement called for "political and diplomatic dialogue" between Washington and Havana.

From Barron's

More than 25 years in the making, supporters see the deal as crucial to boost exports, support the continent's ailing economy and foster diplomatic ties at a time of global uncertainty.

From Barron's

This comes from a government-backed package aimed at encouraging diplomatic missions to the city.

From Barron's

Russia and China, which have invested tens of billions of dollars and considerable diplomatic capital in the Maduro regime, have reacted with restraint.

From The Wall Street Journal

Japanese stocks were lower in early trade amid diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, raising uncertainty over Japan’s economic outlook.

From The Wall Street Journal