diplomatic
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for diplomatic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Relating to relations between governments and their representatives.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use diplomatic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French diplomatique, ultimately from the same root as "diplomat."
Full origin of diplomatic →Frequently asked questions
What does “diplomatic” mean?
The word “diplomatic” means relating to relations between governments and their representatives. In plain terms, either about official relations between countries, or describing someone tactful who avoids causing offense.
How do you pronounce “diplomatic”?
“Diplomatic” is pronounced dihp-luh-MA-tihk (/ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “diplomatic” in a sentence?
Here is “diplomatic” used in a sentence: “The two countries restored diplomatic relations after years of tension.”
What part of speech is “diplomatic”?
“Diplomatic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “diplomatic” come from?
The word “diplomatic” comes from French. From French diplomatique, ultimately from the same root as "diplomat.".
Is “diplomatic” a common word?
“Diplomatic” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “diplomatic” have?
“Diplomatic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to relations between governments and their representatives.
What is the difference between "diplomatic" and "tactful"?
"Tactful" means careful not to cause offence in personal or social situations, while "diplomatic" shares that sense but can also refer literally to relations between governments and their representatives. All tactful behaviour is diplomatic in the everyday sense, but "diplomatic" additionally carries a formal political meaning.
What is the difference between "diplomatic" and "political"?
"Diplomatic" relates to relations between governments and their representatives, especially handling them tactfully, whereas "political" relates more broadly to government, power, and public affairs. A diplomatic solution stresses negotiation and tact, while a political one stresses power and policy.
When should you use "diplomatic" instead of "honest"?
Use "diplomatic" when the goal is to handle a sensitive matter tactfully and avoid causing offence, even if that means softening how the truth is put. "Honest" emphasises full truthfulness, so the two can pull in opposite directions when a blunt statement might upset someone.
What nouns commonly follow "diplomatic"?
"Diplomatic" often precedes nouns such as "diplomatic relations," "diplomatic immunity," "diplomatic mission," and "diplomatic solution." In the tactful sense, people also speak of a "diplomatic answer" or "diplomatic silence."