May we count your visit with Google Analytics? It uses cookies and sends visit data to Google. You can change this any time under Cookie choices. Privacy

 Browse the A to Z list

Rapprochement

n. kind, hopeful formal

What it means

A renewal of friendly relations after distance or conflict.

Reach for it when describing a deliberate diplomatic or personal thaw

A shared conservation project opened the way to rapprochement between the neighboring towns.

Words to choose between 6

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
warm
formal
literary

  • everyday

    reconciliation

    Fits when a damaged relationship is genuinely repaired

    Careful Reconciliation suggests deeper resolution.

  • warm

    reconnection

    Fits when people resume meaningful contact

    Careful Reconnection may ignore unresolved grievances.

  • warm

    renewal

    Fits when positive connection starts again

    Careful Renewal does not imply prior conflict.

  • formal

    accord

    Fits when an agreement establishes harmony

    Careful Accord names the agreement, not the process.

  • formal

    détente

    Fits when political tension is reduced

    Careful Détente can stop short of friendship.

  • literary

    thaw

    Fits when hostility begins to soften

    Careful A thaw may be temporary.

Opposites 3

  • estrangement
  • hostility
  • rupture

Common phrases 3

  • diplomatic rapprochement

    Diplomatic rapprochement resumed cultural exchanges.

  • seek rapprochement

    Both councils seek rapprochement after the election.

  • signs of rapprochement

    Joint patrols offered signs of rapprochement.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Commander Keane, Australian accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated