coalition

noun

co·​a·​li·​tion ˌkō-ə-ˈli-shən 

1

a

: the act of coalescing : union

the coalition of water vapor into raindrops

b

: a body formed by the coalescing of originally distinct elements : combination

They formed a coalition with downtown merchants.

2

: a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action

A multiparty coalition ruled the country.

coalitionist

ˌkō-ə-ˈli-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms

• bloc
• block
• body
• faction
• party
• sect
• set
• side
• wing

Examples of coalition in a Sentence

The groups united to form a coalition.

A multiparty coalition ruled the country.

The group is working in coalition with other environmental groups.

Recent Examples on the Web

Through National Review, Buckley rallied a coalition that reshaped the American political landscape. —Chuck Defeo, National Review, 26 Dec. 2024

Yet, elections cemented a vibrant democracy in Taiwan, forced India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to govern with a coalition, surprised the Pakistan incumbent, and heralded in the peaceful transition of presidential power in Indonesia to former General Prabowo Subianto. —Curtis S. Chin and Jose B. Collazo, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2024

This includes abandoning transnational jihadism, forming the Syrian Salvation Government, building a broad coalition of opposition factions, moderating its social agenda, and dismantling Al-Qaeda and ISIL cells in Idlib province. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Over the past month, the coalition offered 93 know-your-rights presentations at L.A. schools, businesses and organizations that provide community services. —Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin coalescere — see coalesce

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

coalition

noun

co·​ali·​tion

ˌkō-ə-ˈlish-ən

: a temporary union of persons, parties, or countries for a common purpose