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 of coalition

• faction
• party
• wing
• side
• bloc
• team

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

That’s a bloc that cannot be ignored in a coalition holding together with little margin for error. — Philip Elliott, Time, 1 July 2026

Meanwhile, Coard and his coalition are backing the city of Philadelphia's fight to preserve it. — Deena Zaru, ABC News, 4 July 2026

The operation was a testament to the growing effectiveness of a multinational coalition of urban search-and-rescue squads. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Volkswagen's decision to weigh layoffs and plant closures has also been met with stiff opposition from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition government, which is grappling with historically low approval ratings. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin coalescere — see coalesce

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for coalition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

coalition

noun

co·​ali·​tion

ˌkō-ə-ˈlish-ən

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