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

Germany, which closed the last of its three remaining nuclear plants in 2023, recently scrapped its opposition to nuclear power in what marked a rapprochement with France. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 27 May 2025

While opinion polls suggest most Britons now believe that leaving the European Union was a mistake, the idea of rapprochement remains anathema to a vocal minority of pro-Brexit lawmakers and voters. —Stephen Castle, New York Times, 19 May 2025

Having the rapprochement between the US and Syria take place under Saudi auspices may give Riyadh greater opportunities in Damascus. —Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 16 May 2025

Parolin’s experience in international affairs includes a stint as the Vatican's ambassador to Venezuela starting in 2009 and serving as the main architect of the Vatican's rapprochement with China and Vietnam. —Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 6 May 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