Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
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.

See Examples For:

Among those considered by diplomats to be potential entrants are Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza under the US-backed "Board of Peace," and the UAE's minister of state for foreign affairs Lana Nusseibeh.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

While there have been diplomatic efforts to calm tensions, most recently with a meeting between their foreign affairs officials in Abuja, the issue has spread beyond politics.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

Guest: Josh Keating, senior correspondent covering foreign affairs at Vox.

From Slate ● Jul. 29, 2026

The late Republican senator, who was a top adviser to Trump on foreign affairs, is being laid to rest in South Carolina tomorrow.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

The secretary of state, in charge of foreign affairs, was considered the most influential cabinet member, more essential than the vice president.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Just like flashcards, but way more fun

Don't take our word for it. Leave the boring studying behind and join VocabTrainer today. You'll learn even faster and never look back.

Take me to Vocabulary.com