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

In October last year, the administration of President Nicolás Maduro and a coalition of opposition parties agreed to terms for free and fair elections in what was known as the Barbados Agreement. —Tirana Hassan, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024

Netanyahu has struggled to maintain a hold over his fragile, right-wing governing coalition and its muddle of competing interests, whose collapse could spell the end of his leadership. —Tara John, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024

The Missouri measure was placed on the ballot via an initiative petition, launched in January by a coalition of the state’s pro sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, St, Louis Blues, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Current. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Such a coalition could not only deter and contain Iran but could empower the countries of the region to do so themselves, allowing Washington to manage from afar. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 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