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
: establishment of or state of having cordial relations

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.
Moreover, in the improbable event that the United States could peel Russia away from China, a new rapprochement with the Kremlin would bring few real benefits to the American people and come at a steep cost to other U.S. interests. Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025 Under the first Trump administration, the US had sought diplomatic rapprochement with Minsk. Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, the White House’s growing differences with NATO, the 32-member U.S.-led military alliance set up to counter the Soviet Union after World War II, and apparent rapprochement with Russia are fracturing the Western liberal order that for decades contained Putin’s ambitions. Keir Simmons, NBC News, 4 Mar. 2025 President Trump’s rapid rapprochement with the Kremlin has unnerved Ukraine and American allies in Europe. Paul Sonne, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapprochement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapprochement. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

rapprochement

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rapprochement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!