alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

a

: the state of being allied : the action of allying

nations in close alliance

b

: a bond or connection between families, states, parties, or individuals

a closer alliance between government and industry

2

: an association to further the common interests of the members

specifically : a confederation of nations by treaty

the alliance of Western nations

3

: union by relationship in qualities : affinity

an alliance of industry and academia

4

: a treaty of alliance

Synonyms

• accord
• compact
• convention
• covenant
• pact
• treaty

Examples of alliance in a Sentence

We need to form a closer alliance between government and industry.

strengthen the alliance of western nations

There has been a pattern of shifting alliances in the political world.

The article condemns what some say is an unholy alliance between government and media.

one nation working in alliance with another

There is disagreement within the alliance about how to deal with this problem.

Recent Examples on the Web

Part 1: How Hamas attacks upended Middle East and US-Israeli alliance forever Part 2: ‘Another day of a living hell’: Families of Israeli hostages mark Oct. 7 anniversary Part 3: Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas after Oct. 7. —Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2025

Despite their differing backgrounds—Mondale, a northern liberal, and Carter, a southern moderate—the two forged a close and effective alliance. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

All but nine of the alliance’s 32 members were expected to meet that spending floor in 2024. —Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025

Evan Gold, executive vice president of global partnership and alliances at weather-impact firm Planalytics, said the outlook for the fire is daunting. —Booth Moore, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the state of being allied

2

a

: a union between persons, families, or parties

b

: a union between nations for assistance and protection

3

: a treaty of alliance

Geographical Definition

Alliance

geographical name

Al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

city in northeastern Ohio northeast of Canton population 22,322