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
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.
Your sons are adults and will have to reach a detente on their own. Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 11 Apr. 2025 War had returned and the detente that had existed since the fall of the Iron Curtain was over. Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025 And on Tuesday, officials from Canada and the United States agreed to meet later this week to negotiate their trade disagreements, a potential detente in an escalating trade war. David Goldman, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 The detente came after a fiery Cabinet meeting on Thursday, with Rubio and Musk at the center of the tensions. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025 But two Mickeys will come in handy when Marshall engages in authoritarian military cosplay, an act of cruelty pits the colonists against the aliens, and mutually assured destruction needs to be averted unless 17 can broker a detente. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025 Now, he's revived that rhetoric, after months of detente with Bowser. Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025 Destinations are working toward a detente, too. Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025 Hamas has cast the cease-fire as a victory and also shows no sign of seeking a lasting detente with Israel. Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Détente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d%C3%A9tente. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on détente

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