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

Tom Zuiderveld donated $1,100 to the alliance’s political action committee in 2024, according to a campaign-contribution filing with the Idaho secretary of state. —Idaho Statesman, 13 Apr. 2026

Competition, alliances, and egos collide as this group puts public reputations on the line, testing players’ self-reliance, problem-solving, and grit, per the logline. —Peter White, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026

And even if negotiations ultimately break in America’s favor, the damage to the alliances that prop up America’s credibility can’t be so easily restored. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026

Ultimately, replacing the dominance of US defense equipment in the Gulf is unlikely, but expect the web of alliances and hardware purchases to become increasingly diverse. —Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for alliance

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

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 population 22,322