détente

noun

dé·​tente dā-ˈtänt How to pronounce détente (audio)
variants or detente
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 So, what could be the window for some detente between these two states whose armies revel in bellicosity that keeps them relevant to raw domestic populism? Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 Despite the end-times detente between long-battling brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis that recently led to their announcement of a 2025 UK tour, some things in the music feud world never change. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2024 Despite the relative detente, the two countries have in recent years continued to butt heads over a range of issues from trade and technology to human rights. Kristine Gill, Fortune Asia, 3 Sep. 2024 The emergence of the North American shale sector had upended the cartel’s decades-long dominance of the global oil market, prompting OPEC leaders to pursue a strategy of detente during closed-door gatherings on the sidelines of industry conferences in Houston. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 19 July 2024 For the moment, detente might be the best both sides can do. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2024 Saudi Arabia did not join the detente but clearly endorsed it, allowing the UAE and Bahrain to act. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 June 2024 The agreement followed a detente in March in which both sides agreed to stop litigating each other in state court and work towards negotiating a new development agreement and a new comprehensive plan no later than next year. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 13 June 2024 That spirit of detente seemed to only last through the night, though. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 12 June 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'détente.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near détente

Cite this Entry

“Détente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9tente. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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