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

But over the course of its third term, the party made a U-turn and hardened its stance on rapprochement with the West. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Oct. 2024

This week, Saudi Arabia and Iran held their first-ever joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, their ministries revealed, in what would seem to be a sign of rapprochement between the longtime regional foes. —Morgan Phillips, Fox News, 25 Oct. 2024

There’s reason to believe the vice president would continue the idealistic pursuit of rapprochement with Tehran, despite its consistent failure. —Brian Penn, National Review, 23 Oct. 2024

The cross-border roads and railways are remnants of rapprochement that included a 2018 summit. —Reuters, NBC News, 15 Oct. 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