alliance

noun

al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce alliance (audio)
Synonyms of alliancenext
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

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
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.
The collective defense clause, if invoked by a member state, obligates all other members of the transatlantic alliance to treat an attack on one as an attack on all. Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026 Despite the struggle over taxes and their differing stances on public safety and Israel, Hochul and Mamdani have forged an alliance, finding common ground over expanding childcare and a need to build more housing. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026 Spain is a member of NATO, having joined the alliance in 1982, and remains bound by its collective defense commitments under the treaty. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 The alliance gives Lilly a different way to reach consumers other than the ubiquitous TV commercials upon which most pharma giants rely. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alliance

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alliance was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Alliance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alliance. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

alliance

noun
al·​li·​ance ə-ˈlī-ən(t)s How to pronounce alliance (audio)
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 How to pronounce Alliance (audio)
city in northeastern Ohio northeast of Canton population 22,322

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