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

Moscow’s relationships with both Beijing and Tehran were often rocky during the Cold War, but the Soviet Union’s 1991 collapse opened the door to rapprochements. —Christopher S. Chivvis, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2025

But amid fierce anti-Americanism, Chrétien also kept alive the prospect of an eventual, and necessary rapprochement. —Stephen Collinson, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025

The rapprochement between the U.S. and Ukraine has eased relations with Europe, where officials are largely supportive of the Trump administration’s latest move in the talks. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025

President Trump is entertaining the notion of economic rapprochement but isn’t ready to commit yet. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 28 Feb. 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