rapprochement

noun

rap·​proche·​ment ˌra-ˌprōsh-ˈmänt  ˌra-ˌprōsh-ˈmäⁿ 

-ˌprȯsh-;

ra-ˈprōsh-ˌmäⁿ

: establishment of or state of having cordial relations

Synonyms

• communion
• fellowship
• rapport

Examples of rapprochement in a Sentence

Officials hope that these talks will lead to a rapprochement with the rebels.

The possibility of rapprochement between the two countries seems unlikely.

Recent Examples on the Web

President Donald Trump's apparent rapprochement with Moscow could change that. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025

The bilateral talks in Jeddah signaled a rapprochement. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025

The Russian foreign policy establishment always speculated that Europe would be most likely to eventually seek rapprochement with Moscow, while U.S. hostility to Russia was thought to be hard-wired. —Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Mar. 2025

While policymakers debate the possibility of rapprochement with Russia, the tech sector faces a more immediate and fundamental question: If relations thaw with Russia, what does that mean for U.S. technology companies? —Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from rapprocher to bring together, from Middle French, from re- + approcher to approach, from Old French aprochier, from Late Latin appropiare — more at approach

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rapprochement

• agamemnon
• automaton
• diencephalon
• panopticon
• phenomenon
• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon

Kids Definition

rapprochement

noun

rap·​proche·​ment ˌrap-ˌrōsh-ˈmän 

: establishment of or state of having friendly relations