Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

rapport

American  
[ra-pawr, -pohr, ruh-] / ræˈpɔr, -ˈpoʊr, rə- /

noun

  1. relation; connection, especially harmonious or sympathetic relation.

    a teacher trying to establish close rapport with students.
    Synonyms:
    understanding, camaraderie, fellowship
rapport British  
/ ræˈpɔː /

noun

  1. (often foll by with) a sympathetic relationship or understanding See also en rapport

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonrapport noun

Etymology

Origin of rapport

First recorded in 1530–40; from French, derivative of rapporter “to bring back, report,” equivalent to r(e)- re- + apporter ( Old French aporter, from Latin apportāre, equivalent to ap- ap- 1 + portāre “to carry”; port 5 )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While the bespectacled intellectual with a crown of white curls was credited with being an effective prime minister, his lack of rapport with the public always made him an unlikely father of the nation.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

So they often try to stay in touch on a more regular basis to build trust and rapport.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

Ward was actually James Dinnigan and Hines believes that he initially built rapport with her by pretending to be a Christian.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

During our interview it’s clear that Palmer and Whitehall have an easy rapport.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026

Noting William’s rapport with his British counterparts, the Army made him a point man in U.S.–U.K. intelligence relations, twice sending him on long trips overseas.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.