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

Alsup handed down the order on a temporary restraining order sought by labor unions and nonprofits in a lawsuit filed by the coalition last week. —Janie Har The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025

Terror is not a word used loosely by the coalition members. —Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025

The coalition was created, in part, as a response to restrictions placed on the official National Park Service social media accounts. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025

On coalition formation, the easiest option is a partnership with the SPD which would give a slight majority (52%). —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin coalescere — see coalesce

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for coalition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition
• deposition

Kids Definition

coalition

noun

co·​ali·​tion

ˌkō-ə-ˈlish-ən

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