gunboat diplomacy

noun

: diplomacy backed by the use or threat of military force

Examples of gunboat diplomacy in a Sentence

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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.

Although gunboat diplomacy declined as a routine instrument of statecraft after World War II, naval power continued to serve as a visible means of signaling resolve. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026 No One Is Talking About While the gunboat diplomacy dominates the headlines, the more existential danger may be unfolding in the bond market. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026 Yet the White House may be reaching the limits of its gunboat diplomacy. — Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 2026 Few Trump supporters, however, cast their ballots for international adventurism and gunboat diplomacy. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunboat diplomacy

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of gunboat diplomacy was in 1869

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Browse Nearby Words

gunboat

gunboat diplomacy

gun breech

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Gunboat diplomacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunboat%20diplomacy. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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gunboat diplomacy

noun

Examples of gunboat diplomacy in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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