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

Ser Simon Strong shares his easy appetite for alliance-hopping. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026

For Nordstrom, the alliance attracts families and boosts in-store experiences, aligning with a broader retail shift towards emotional connections and unique offerings to draw customers into physical stores. — Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

By 1985, the Wasley formed an alliance and assumed ownership of Precision Molding Company. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

The alliance is part of a crowded field of antisemitism watchdogs that includes Cyberwell, the Combat Antisemitism Movement, the Secure Community Network and the Anti-Defamation League’s Center for Antisemitism Research. — Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 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 population 22,322