rapprochement

noun

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

-ˌprȯsh-;

ra-ˈprōsh-ˌmäⁿ

: establishment of or state of having cordial relations

Synonyms of rapprochement

• friendship
• solidarity
• communion
• rapport
• unity

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

Indeed, after their rapprochement in 1975, Jesse once more introduced Noah around as the good brother, and announced that Robinson would be his business manager. —Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026

At the same time, there is the rapprochement between Israel and Arab states, which began with the country’s peace deals with Egypt and Jordan—and then there is Israel’s recent Abraham Accords with sundry Muslim states, including Morocco and Sudan, with Saudi Arabia as silent partner. —Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026

Still, India would also be keen to not scupper its rapprochement with the States after months of trade tensions. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026

Gradually, the two begin a rapprochement, with a recovered Bradley pitching in to help. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026

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