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 China’s only notable diplomatic achievement in the region was to nudge last year’s Iranian-Saudi rapprochement across the finish line, but most of the hard work was done elsewhere. Gregg Carlstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2024 The rapprochement began turning sour last month, however, after the Venezuelan Supreme Court upheld a ban on presidential contender Maria Corina Machado to compete for public office. Michael Wilner, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2024 But on other, more complicated geopolitical issues, such as the widening crisis in the Middle East and tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the rapprochement may have limited effect, analysts say. Olivia Wang, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2024 In his pursuit of rapprochement, Reagan agreed to reduce Washington’s nuclear arsenal by a far larger amount than even Kissinger thought prudent. Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Amid signs of a rapprochement between him and the establishment, Sharif in October staged a choreographed return to Lahore, his hometown. Shaiq Hussain, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2024 The two fell out after Harry and his wife, Meghan, moved to California in 2020, and there are no signs of a rapprochement. Mark Landler, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2024 But many royal observers hope that their initial brief reunion signals a warming of relations between the two and the first step in a rapprochement between Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, and other members of the royal family. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2024 Few remain under any illusion that a rapprochement between Beijing and Washington will be the holy grail that delivers a smooth and rapid clean energy transition. Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rapprochement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near rapprochement

Cite this Entry

“Rapprochement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapprochement. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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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