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.
The board and assessor also have reached rapprochement on a key calculation known as the capitalization rate. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 China, which brokered a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, is either unwilling or unable to help. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026 But the rapprochement has not erased differences over migration. — Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Whenever offered a chance for rapprochement, Dahlia escalates. — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 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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