alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

a

: the state of being allied : the action of allying

nations in close alliance

b

: a bond or connection between families, states, parties, or individuals

a closer alliance between government and industry

2

: an association to further the common interests of the members

specifically : a confederation of nations by treaty

the alliance of Western nations

3

: union by relationship in qualities : affinity

an alliance of industry and academia

4

: a treaty of alliance

Synonyms of alliance

• treaty
• pact

Examples of alliance in a Sentence

We need to form a closer alliance between government and industry.

strengthen the alliance of western nations

There has been a pattern of shifting alliances in the political world.

The article condemns what some say is an unholy alliance between government and media.

one nation working in alliance with another

There is disagreement within the alliance about how to deal with this problem.

Recent Examples on the Web

The alliance has been particularly beneficial to Netanyahu, who has sought to tie himself to Trump to improve his image at home. — Seung Min Kim, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

OpenAI is now focusing its political spending on a less-controversial alliance with labor unions to build data centers. — Garrison Lovely, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

After Washington rebuffed calls to strike Houthi rebels, Saudi Arabia is pursuing new maritime and defense alliances. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

While Versant has articulated a plan to broaden its revenue beyond traditional TV, that platform at present delivers the bulk of its financial fuel, which makes distribution alliances a primary financial benchmark for the company. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for alliance

• science
• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• reliance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience

Kids Definition

alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

1

: the state of being allied

2

a

: a union between persons, families, or parties

b

: a union between nations for assistance and protection

3

: a treaty of alliance

Geographical Definition

Alliance

geographical name

Al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s 

city in northeastern Ohio northeast of Canton