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.
In other countries, Mr. Mandelbaum writes, “a small circle of officials” tend to dominate foreign relations, paying scant heed to “what the people of the country have thought or wanted.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
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
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
His unpredictability is sometimes portrayed by his supporters after the fact as strategic - the so-called "madman" theory of foreign relations.
From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2025
Senatorial control of foreign relations seems now to be firmly established.
From Behind the Mirrors The Psychology of Disintegration at Washington by Gilbert, Clinton W. (Clinton Wallace)
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.
