diplomatic

adjective

dip·​lo·​mat·​ic ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce diplomatic (audio)
Synonyms of diplomatic
1
a
: paleographic
b
: exactly reproducing the original
a diplomatic edition
2
: of, relating to, or concerned with the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations : of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats
diplomatic relations
3
: employing tact and conciliation especially in situations of stress
a diplomatic way to say no
diplomatically
ˌdi-plə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce diplomatic (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of diplomatic

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suave, urbane, diplomatic, bland, smooth, politic mean pleasantly tactful and well-mannered.

suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

Examples of diplomatic in a Sentence

Negotiators are working to restore full diplomatic relations. a diplomatic attempt at preventing any hurt feelings
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.
Reminiscent of a bygone era, these massive ships often serve as floating ambassadors on diplomatic missions. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Governments might prefer a diplomatic response over a military reaction in some situations. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026 This network of defense relationships has, in turn, fueled America’s vast economic and trade, diplomatic, and cultural relationships across the globe. — Michael P. Dempsey, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 His most ambitious Middle East diplomatic initiative before the Iran memorandum was a 20-point plan from last September to end the war in Gaza. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for diplomatic

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from New Latin diplomaticus, from Latin diplomat-, diploma; in other senses, from French diplomatique connected with documents regulating international relations, from New Latin diplomaticus

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of diplomatic was in 1711

Phrases Containing diplomatic

Rhymes for diplomatic

See All Rhymes for diplomatic

Browse Nearby Words

diplomate
diplomatic
diplomatic agent
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Cite this Entry

“Diplomatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diplomatic. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

diplomatic

adjective
dip·​lo·​mat·​ic ˌdip-lə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce diplomatic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with diplomacy or diplomats
diplomatic relations
2
: tactful
found a diplomatic way to say no
diplomatically
-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce diplomatic (audio)
adverb

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