détente

noun

dé·​tente dā-ˈtänt How to pronounce détente (audio)
variants or detente
Synonyms of détentenext
1
: the relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations)
diplomats brokering a détente
also : a policy promoting this
2
: a period of détente
the beginning of a détente

Examples of détente in a Sentence

as the countries move toward détente the start of a détente
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Have humans and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of Covid, reached a detente? — Helen Branswell, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026 Traders have been parsing signals over whether Iran’s concessions over its nuclear ambitions will be enough to achieve a detente with the US. — Alex Longley, Bloomberg, 24 Feb. 2026 Lutnick cited Anthropic’s cooperation with the government as a key reason for the detente. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 1 July 2026 Stocks were powered higher by enthusiasm about tech and AI, a detente in severe trade tensions, optimism about Fed rate cuts and robust corporate earnings growth. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for détente

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of détente was in 1908

Browse Nearby Words

detent
détente
detention
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Détente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9tente. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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