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

The United States has become increasingly irritated with the glacial pace of progress towards implementing a ceasefire agreement, more overtly criticizing Russia's recalcitrance to ink a deal despite pursuing a rapprochement with the Kremlin. —Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025

As President Trump pursues a striking rapprochement with Moscow, the company has emerged as an early test of whether American businesses that fled Russia early in the war will return. —Anton Troianovski, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025

Prior to signing the agreement with Damascus, Abdi had expressed openness to boosting SDF relations with Israel but the prospects of such a partnership have been faded in light of the rapprochement with Sharaa's administration. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

Trump has steered the White House toward a rapprochement with the Kremlin, monitored with apprehension by most of the U.S.' allies and many domestic lawmakers. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 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