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

European textile recycling alliance ReHubs has appointed Béatrice Moureaux chief executive officer as the organization works to address the investment and demand barriers holding back textile-to-textile recycling capacity in Europe. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

In Greece to discuss deepening economic, energy and security cooperation, Rubio made the case for nationalism while emphasizing the importance of global alliances. — Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

Some members of the 32-country alliance have been reluctant to divert funds from other government policies, however. — Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Noora ends up falling in love with Elia, and Mungiu, not for the first time, treats the close bond between two young women as a profoundly disruptive force for good, a moral alliance that threatens orthodoxies of every kind. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 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