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 presence of dozens of international artists and filmmakers who joined us in Jerusalem this year is an acknowledgment that true exchange happens between individuals, regardless of their nationalities, alliances, or sociological identities. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 July 2026

According to the think tank InSight Crime, the alliance between these factions was one of the main reasons the Sinaloa cartel consolidated itself as one of the most powerful in the region. — Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, said in an interview with the Kyiv Independent published on Saturday that the defense alliance is prepared for any Russian move against its eastern flank. — Anniek Bao,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 July 2026

The alliance continued under Chávez’s successor, Nicolás Maduro, and until this year, 75% of its oil imports came from Venezuela and Mexico. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 19 July 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