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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.

Ampatzidis added that changing to the Russian registry might cause "diplomatic friction" but would not stop any US enforcement action.

From BBC

The Israeli foreign ministry has not publicly commented on Saar's trip, but a diplomatic source in Somaliland told the BBC that the visit is intended to advance political and strategic partnerships.

From BBC

“Should this cooperation remain stable, logical next steps could include the restoration of formal diplomatic relations…including at some point for negotiations around a debt restructuring,” JPMorgan analysts wrote in a Sunday note.

From The Wall Street Journal

His stance has shocked Denmark, a Nato ally that has traditionally enjoyed close relations with Washington, says BBC News diplomatic correspondent James Landale.

From BBC

It is moving beyond military might to assert its power in the diplomatic field as well, Guterman added.

From The Wall Street Journal