Word
rapprochement
Phoneticsrap·proche·ment, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɹæˌpɹoʊʃˈmɑn/
UK/ɹæpɹˈɒʃmɔ̃/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a return to friendly relations between people or countries after a period of disagreement. You use it when former enemies start to talk and work together again.
n. re-establishment of friendly relations between estranged parties, especially states, after a period of conflict or mistrust. Typically follows diplomatic negotiation and implies mutual concession.
Examples
“The two countries seek rapprochement after years of tension.”
“After decades of sanctions, the trade deal signals a cautious rapprochement between the neighbouring governments.”
“Historians view the 1970s Sino-American rapprochement as a calculated realignment, driven less by shared values than by a common desire to counter Soviet influence in Asia.”
Examples
simple
“The two countries seek rapprochement after years of tension.”
contextual
“After decades of sanctions, the trade deal signals a cautious rapprochement between the neighbouring governments.”
complex
“Historians view the 1970s Sino-American rapprochement as a calculated realignment, driven less by shared values than by a common desire to counter Soviet influence in Asia.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “rapprochement” in context.
Verb
01. achieve rapprochement
“Diplomats finally achieved rapprochement after months of secret talks.”
verb + noun
02. foster rapprochement
“Cultural exchanges helped foster rapprochement between the communities.”
verb + noun
03. push for rapprochement
“Business leaders pushed for rapprochement to restore cross-border trade.”
verb + prep + noun
04. rapprochement begins
“Rapprochement began with informal meetings between senior officials.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. cautious rapprochement
“Both governments pursued a cautious rapprochement despite public mistrust.”
adj + noun
06. gradual rapprochement
“A gradual rapprochement followed the ceasefire and prisoner exchanges.”
adj + noun
07. historic rapprochement
“The summit marked a historic rapprochement between the two former enemies.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. process of rapprochement
“The peace accord accelerated the process of rapprochement.”
noun + prep + noun
09. prospect of rapprochement
“Investors welcomed the prospect of rapprochement in the region.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a tentative rapprochement between
“A tentative rapprochement between the parties began with cultural visits.”
11. mark a significant rapprochement
“The trade deal marked a significant rapprochement in bilateral ties.”
12. pave the way for rapprochement
“The ceasefire paved the way for rapprochement between the states.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'between' or 'with' to name the reconciling parties.
Real-World Examples
“The UAE has publicly backed Ethiopia’s government while Saudi Arabia has previously helped broker an Ethiopia-Eritrea rapprochement and was reported to have offered to mediate between the two countries in 2025.” “Eritrea intervened on the side of Ethiopia in that conflict, after a rapprochement between the two countries in 2018, which earned Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel peace prize .” “But Madrid shifted its long-standing position of neutrality in 2022 and backed Rabat's autonomy plan for the former Spanish colony as part of a diplomatic rapprochement.” “European leaders have been left stunned by the open rapprochement between US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin - and not-so-subtle hints that the US may abandon its obligation to defend European allies.” Etymology
Unadapted borrowing from French rapprochement (“act or process of getting closer together; link (between two things)”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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