diplomatic

adjective

ˌdi-plə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce diplomatic (audio)
Definition of diplomaticnext
as in politic
having or showing tact a diplomatic attempt at preventing any hurt feelings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word diplomatic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of diplomatic are bland, politic, smooth, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

Where would bland be a reasonable alternative to diplomatic?

The words bland and diplomatic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When is politic a more appropriate choice than diplomatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to diplomatic, politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When would smooth be a good substitute for diplomatic?

While the synonyms smooth and diplomatic are close in meaning, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When might suave be a better fit than diplomatic?

The words suave and diplomatic can be used in similar contexts, but suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

In what contexts can urbane take the place of diplomatic?

Although the words urbane and diplomatic have much in common, urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of diplomatic But now, concerns are mounting that U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs could derail Vietnam’s ambitious growth target despite diplomatic overtures to Washington that economists say are unlikely to shift policy soon. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025 In less diplomatic parlance, perhaps that can be translated more bluntly as: Anything can happen. —Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Iran's diplomatic mission in New York had no immediate comment Monday. —Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2025 The West has potentially powerful weapons and indeed won the great cognitive war of the 20th century when all the elements of national strength — diplomatic, informational, military and economic — were aligned in pursuit of the triumph of democracy and free markets. —Michael Miklaucic, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diplomatic

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Cite this Entry

“Diplomatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diplomatic. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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