Department of State

noun phrase

: the part of the U.S. government that is responsible for how the U.S. deals with other countries

Examples of Department of State in a Sentence

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The restrictions stem from a Texas Supreme Court decision that lifted an injunction blocking enforcement of a 2021 rule from the Texas Department of State Health Services. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 31 July 2026 The United Kingdom must submit the extradition petition to the Department of State and Department of Justice by September. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026 According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, products that don’t comply with the new rules may be detained during routine inspections and referred to law enforcement. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026 The Tates were arrested in Miami over the weekend as British authorities seek to extradite them on new charges, though extradition is subject to approval by the Department of State. — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for Department of State

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Department of State
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“Department of State.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Department%20of%20State. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

Department of State

Agency
federal executive division responsible for carrying out U.S. foreign policy. It is the president's principal means of conducting treaty negotiations and effecting agreements with foreign nations. Under its control are the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, seven bureaus of political affairs, the U.S. Foreign Service (including 270 embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions, and numerous subagencies), and various offices of diplomatic security, foreign intelligence, policy analysis, international narcotics control, protocol, and passport and medical services. The department's legal adviser advises the secretary of state on all matters of international law arising in the conduct of foreign relations.
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