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

Kharrazi indicated that Iran’s conditions for a rapprochement with Washington have not changed since the US and Israel struck its nuclear facilities in June, adding that uranium enrichment will continue because the country needs the fuel for its power plants and for medical purposes. —Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

But their rapprochement didn’t last. —Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025

Netanyahu was eager for a rapprochement. —Eric Cortellessa, Time, 23 Oct. 2025

But despite Ma’s Beijing-friendly positions and this historic rapprochement, China significantly expanded its arsenal of ballistic missiles and its fleet of fighter jets stationed within range of Taiwan during his tenure. —Marvin Park, Foreign Affairs, 22 Oct. 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