reconciliation

[rek-uh n-sil-ee-ey-shuh n]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR reconciliation ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an act of reconciling, as when former enemies agree to an amicable truce.

the state of being reconciled, as when someone becomes resigned to something not desired.

the process of making consistent or compatible.

Origin of reconciliation

1300–50; Middle English reconsiliacion < Latin reconciliātiōn- (stem of reconciliātiō), equivalent to reconciliāt(us) (see reconcile, -ate¹) + -iōn- -ion

Related formsnon·rec·on·cil·i·a·tion, nounpre·rec·on·cil·i·a·tion, nounpro·rec·on·cil·i·a·tion, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for reconciliation

rapprochement, accord, agreement, compromise, harmony, settlement

Examples from the Web for reconciliation

Contemporary Examples of reconciliation

They called for peace, reconciliation, and the safe return of Father Gregorio.
Mexico’s Priests Are Marked for Murder
Jason McGahan
January 7, 2015
It was about the hope and longing for redemption and reconciliation that lies somewhere within each of us.
During Advent, Lots of Waiting, But Not Enough Hope
Gene Robinson
December 7, 2014
“The confrontation should not be about revenge, but about reconciliation on both parts,” he stressed.
Should You Confront Your Old Bully?
Keli Goff
August 4, 2014
We said within the reconciliation track… that his case was something that, in that track, could potentially be raised.
Hillary Clinton Was Skeptical of Taliban-Bergdahl Swap
Josh Rogin
June 4, 2014
Pope Francis is off on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land this week in search of reconciliation and peace.
The Pope’s Middle East Game of Shrines
Candida Moss
May 25, 2014

Historical Examples of reconciliation

A formal ceremony preliminary to the reconciliation of two enemies.
The Devil's Dictionary
Ambrose Bierce
When I succeeded with any of them, they were sure to come after an hour or two, and begin a reconciliation.
Little Dorrit
Charles Dickens
I do not care to set myself to the reconciliation of the differing reports.
Miracles of Our Lord
George MacDonald
She will be convinced that there is no expectation to be had of a reconciliation.
Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
At present, if ever, there can be no thought of reconciliation.
Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson

British Dictionary definitions for reconciliation

Reconciliation

noun

RC Church a sacrament in which repentant sinners are absolved and gain reconciliation with God and the Church, on condition of confession of their sins to a priest and of performing a penance

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

Word Origin and History for reconciliation

mid-14c., from Old French reconciliacion (14c.) and directly from Latin reconciliationem (nominative reconciliatio) "a re-establishing, a reconciling," noun of action from past participle stem of reconciliare (see reconcile).