foreign relations
Americannoun
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(used with a plural verb) the dealings and relationships between nations.
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(used with a singular verb) the field of foreign affairs.
an expert in foreign relations.
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(used with a singular verb) the quality or character of foreign affairs as a consequence of foreign policy.
a deterioration in their foreign relations.
Etymology
Origin of foreign relations
An Americanism dating back to 1800–10
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 image illustrated what many experts say is Field Marshal Asim Munir's growing role at the centre of Pakistan's foreign relations.
From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026
That optimistic note was echoed by Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the foreign relations committee in Ukraine's parliament.
From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026
The House of Representatives and the Senate each have an armed services committee and a foreign relations or foreign affairs committee.
From Salon • Dec. 6, 2025
Is L.A.’s mayor supposed to act as if the megalopolis is a Mayberry, with no foreign relations to foster?
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2025
Those communications of Paine were utilized in Robespierre's report to the Convention, November 17, 1793, on the foreign relations of France.
From The Life Of Thomas Paine, Vol. II. (of II) With A History of His Literary, Political and Religious Career in America France, and England by Conway, Moncure Daniel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
