rapprochement

noun

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

-ˌprȯsh-;

ra-ˈprōsh-ˌmäⁿ

: establishment of or state of having cordial relations

Synonyms

• 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

Will voters extend the rapprochement with a nod here? —Paul Grein, Billboard, 16 July 2025

So, Harry had to send some emissaries — including Meredith Maines, his and Meghan Markle’s new chief communications officer — to meet with Charles’ people about beginning a rapprochement. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 15 July 2025

But while Washington’s tone toward the conflict has shifted — a prospective rapprochement with Moscow has given way to growing criticism — its withdrawal of military support has left Kyiv frustrated. —semafor.com, 4 July 2025

For their part, the Saudis might prefer not to antagonize the Iranian government given the recent rapprochement between the two or out a desire to avoid antagonizing a nuclear-armed neighbor. —Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 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