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Synonyms

foreign affairs

American  

plural noun

  1. activities of a nation in its relationships with other nations; international relations.


foreign affairs British  

plural noun

  1. matters abroad that involve the homeland, such as relations with another country

  2. matters that do not involve the homeland

"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

Etymology

Origin of foreign affairs

First recorded in 1605–15

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.

When asked about Monday's incident China's foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said she had not aware of the case.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Americans are in a cynical mood on foreign affairs, and many wonder why the U.S. should make sacrifices for an island some 6,000 miles away from Seattle.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

At the same time, he possessed a sophisticated worldview and a deep grasp of foreign affairs.

From Salon • May 14, 2026

"If this can take place, the ministry of foreign affairs will coordinate it," said a spokesperson.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

“By the end of the meeting,” Haldeman remembered, “Nixon was as angry as his foreign affairs chief. The thought that an alleged weirdo was blatantly challenging the president infuriated him.”

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

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