WordValerapprochement
the renewal of friendly relations between states
In more detail
1. (noun) the establishment of friendly relations between countries or groups that were previously hostile or distant
Examples
- The two nations worked toward rapprochement after decades of conflict.
How to use rapprochement
Rapprochement is a formal, somewhat literary term used in diplomatic and political contexts to describe the process of restoring friendly relations after a period of tension or hostility. It emphasizes the gradual movement toward reconciliation and typically implies official or high-level engagement. Unlike 'peace,' which is the end state, rapprochement focuses on the process of moving toward better relations.
Common phrases
- diplomatic rapprochement
- rapprochement between nations
- seek rapprochement
- rapprochement with
- achieve rapprochement
Synonyms
reconciliation · détente · thaw · warming of relations · peace
Opposites
estrangement · rift · alienation
Word family
rapprocher (French verb, rarely used in English)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use rapprochement to mean simple agreement or cooperation between allies, but it specifically implies a restoration of relations after estrangement or conflict.
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