alliance

noun

ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce alliance (audio)
Definition of alliancenext
1
as in treaty
a formal agreement between two or more nations or peoples the smaller countries signed an alliance pledging to protect one another against the belligerent behemoth in their midst

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2
as in coalition
an association of persons, parties, or states for mutual assistance and protection an alliance between the French and the Algonquians to check Iroquois advances into their territory

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3
as in partnership
the state of having shared interests or efforts (as in social or business matters) in alliance with booksellers, the nation's schools are promoting National Reading Month

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alliance The companies concluded in a press release that the strategic manufacturing alliance is intended to lay the foundation for commercial production and support the future growth of electric air-taxi manufacturing. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026 The Second Continental Congress, a committee of delegates from 13 of the colonies convened in Philadelphia, wanted a formal document to justify their rebellion to the world, and to secure foreign military alliances. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 July 2026 Sherrill said the presence of the international crews represents something far deeper than a simple tourist attraction, noting the event is a testament to the strength of global security alliances. — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 While the agreements themselves are strictly related to health, the official said, the Administration takes strategic benefits and security alliances into account during negotiations. — Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for alliance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alliance
  1. treaty
  2. coalition
  3. partnership
  4. pact
  5. confederacy
  6. association
  7. union
  8. collaboration
Noun
  • Each summit is meant to showcase the commitment to collective security — the all-for-one, one-for-all pledge enshrined in Article 5 of NATO’s treaty.
    — Lorne Cook, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • The decision, which was widely anticipated, does not end the pact immediately, but rather kicks off a decade-long annual review process for the three countries to negotiate on the treaty until the USMCA officially expires in 2036.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of treaty
Noun
  • 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
  • In addition to Loop Capital, the development coalition that comprises Oakland Acquisition Company includes sports agent Bill Duffy and real-estate developer Alan Dones.
    — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Definition of coalition
Noun
  • The orbital laboratory is operated through a global partnership of space agencies, including NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • The partnership highlights the growing potential of Poltrona Frau’s Custom Interiors unit and its leadership in developing furniture that integrates into high-profile cultural and architectural projects.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Definition of partnership
Noun
  • The pact came as Canberra seeks to curb Beijing's growing security influence through defense deals with Pacific nations.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 July 2026
  • The licensing pact comes as Netflix is steadily diversifying its lineup with video games, podcasts and live events.
    — William Earl, Variety, 7 July 2026
Definition of pact
Noun
  • July 4 birthed independence but also a dysfunctional confederacy.
    — Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
  • The headstone, a memorial to texans who served the confederacy, was erected in 1964, which is to say the state missed the hundred-year anniversary of the battle itself but did remember to put it up in the year that Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act.
    — Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Definition of confederacy
Noun
  • As a longtime resident near the property, Van Sistine serves as Board Chair of the neighborhood association Ballpark Collective RNO and played a key role in establishing the Ballpark General Improvement District.
    — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 9 July 2026
  • Homeowners agreed to pool those funds through their homeowners association so the road could be rebuilt.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Definition of association
Noun
  • They were filled with protesters — including outraged members of a teachers’ union and relatives of kidnapping victims — as well as fans skeptical of a team that, four years earlier, posted its worst World Cup performance since 1978.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • The union says it’s already made concessions at the bargaining table but with little offered in return to improve current conditions and wages.
    — Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of union
Noun
  • Air Force partnership expands The award extends Asylon’s collaboration with the Air Force beyond autonomous security operations, an area where its robotic platforms already support active missions.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • Danish jewelry giant Pandora introduced a creative platform in collaboration with British stylist Harry Lambert, called Pandora Wonders.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of collaboration

Browse Nearby Words

alleyways
alliance
alliances
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Cite this Entry

“Alliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alliance. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alliance

Nglish: Translation of alliance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alliance

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