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

Russia’s permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council makes this autocratic rapprochement particularly valuable for Kim. —Charlie Campbell, TIME, 19 June 2024

Beyond extending its diplomatic sway— as shown by its mediation of the Iranian-Saudi rapprochement in March 2023—Beijing sees these agreements as a means to secure reliable access to energy and build infrastructure. —Aaron Glasserman, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2024

North Korea’s maneuvers and South Korea’s decision to pull out of the 2018 deal point to how dug in the two currently are, indicating that neither side is interested in renewing rapprochement efforts at the moment. —Li Zhou, Vox, 2 June 2024

Questioned on Bloomberg Television on prospects for a greater rapprochement between the two sides in the event of a change in government in Britain, the Brussels official expressed hope. —Jorge Valero, Fortune Europe, 27 May 2024

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

Kids Definition

rapprochement

noun

rap·​proche·​ment ˌrap-ˌrōsh-ˈmän 

: establishment of or state of having friendly relations