rapprochement

noun

rap·​proche·​ment ˌra-ˌprōsh-ˈmänt How to pronounce rapprochement (audio) ˌra-ˌprōsh-ˈmäⁿ How to pronounce rapprochement (audio)
-ˌprȯsh-;
ra-ˈprōsh-ˌmäⁿ
Synonyms of rapprochement
: establishment of or state of having cordial relations

Synonyms of rapprochement

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After that perfect airport rapprochement, Edwards and I tailed them to Jagger’s chateau near Amboise in the Loire Valley. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 The surprising rapprochement comes more than a year after a tumultuous back-and-forth between Starkey and the band led by Daltrey, 80 and guitarist/songwriter Pete Townshend, 81. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2026 Previous economic reforms, during a rapprochement with the administration of President Barack Obama, were later rolled back by Cuban leaders. — Rick Jervis, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 His election as chief executive in 2008 and 2012 greatly furthered rapprochement with Beijing, though negotiations on representative offices were unsuccessful. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rapprochement

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapprochement was in 1809

Rhymes for rapprochement

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Browse Nearby Words

rapporteur
rapprochement
rapscallion
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Cite this Entry

“Rapprochement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapprochement. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rapprochement

noun
rap·​proche·​ment ˌrap-ˌrōsh-ˈmän How to pronounce rapprochement (audio)
: establishment of or state of having friendly relations
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