as in diplomacy
the ability to deal with others in touchy situations without offending them
the tactfulness with which the secretary of state handled the diplomatic crisis was commendable
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactfulness
Noun
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The crackdown on scam centers and the deportation of the Uyghurs should be seen as connected rather than the deportation being an example of bamboo diplomacy, said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor of political science and international relations at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025 -
Multilateral diplomacy is evidently not a priority at the moment.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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After seeing how reluctant to move the horse was, their older sibling decided to jump in and help delay their owner's departure—albeit, with much gentler manners.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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For more on how to lose your clothes but not your manners, have a look at our perennial guide to nude beach etiquette.—
CNN,
The Mercury News,
30 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In parallel, senior scientists — many of whom were hired for their science chops, not their empathetic leadership — should be taught compassionate mentorship, and how to respond to challenging situations with empathy and tact.—
Celia Ford,
Vox,
3 Mar. 2025
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Other highlights include an open-faced montre à tact (a watch that replicates the internal hour hand on the cover of the pocket watch via an arrow so that time could be read via touch) with a calendar and moonphase indications that was the inspiration for the Ref. 3330.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Americans abroad may be less welcome and should practice cultural sensitivity.—
Christopher Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2025
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It’s gotten to a point where this LeBron sensitivity is beyond the pale.—
Marc Griffin,
VIBE.com,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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He was deployed to Italy, where his conspicuous gallantry in combat earned him the Military Cross.—
Lawrence D. Freedman,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Jan. 2020
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Crank up the gallantry, crank up the generosity: Send a spark of love and novelty into the black cloud.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
21 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Tactfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactfulness. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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